Gay Street Bridge, Road bridge in Knoxville, Tennessee
Gay Street Bridge is a road bridge over the Tennessee River in Knoxville, Tennessee, built with five steel arched cantilever trusses resting on granite supports. The deck carries both vehicle and foot traffic, linking two parts of the city across the river.
The bridge was built in 1898, replacing earlier crossings at the same location, including a Civil War pontoon bridge and a wooden covered bridge from 1875. Its construction was part of broader growth in the city that brought divided neighborhoods back together.
The bridge connects Downtown Knoxville with South Knoxville and is part of everyday life for many who cross it on foot, by bike, or by car. From its deck, walkers get an open view of the Tennessee River and the hills on either side.
Before visiting, it is worth checking current access conditions, as the bridge can have restrictions at times. Daytime is the best moment to get a clear look at the steel arches and granite supports from the deck or the riverbanks below.
Engineer Charles Fowler drew the first plans for the bridge on the back of an envelope during a train ride to meet county officials in Knoxville. That rough sketch served as the starting point for the final design.
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