Gay Street Bridge, Road bridge in Knoxville, Tennessee
Description
Gay Street Bridge is a road bridge crossing the Tennessee River in Knoxville and features five steel arched cantilever trusses resting on granite supports. The structure spans the river with significant width and has defined the cityscape for more than a century.
History
The bridge was built in 1898 and replaced several earlier structures at this site, including a Civil War pontoon bridge and a wooden covered bridge from 1875. The construction was part of the city's expansion and reconnected divided urban areas.
Culture
The bridge forms an essential connection between Downtown Knoxville and South Knoxville, serving as a transportation corridor for over 125 years.
Practical
Access to the bridge has restrictions, so visitors should check current conditions before planning a visit. The best time to view it is during daylight hours when the structural details are clearly visible.
Did you know?
Engineer Charles Fowler designed this bridge based on a sketch he made on an envelope during a train ride to meet county officials in Knoxville. That quick drawing became the foundation for one of the city's most recognizable structures.
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