Leeds Freedom Bridge, Railway bridge in Lower Briggate, Leeds, England
The Freedom Bridge is a railway bridge in Lower Briggate, Leeds, that spans the River Aire. Its steel structure is painted in rainbow colors and connects different parts of the city.
The structure was built as part of Leeds' Victorian railway development. After major repairs by Network Rail, the bridge was completely repainted in rainbow colors in 2017.
The bridge displays the colors of Gilbert Baker's Freedom Flag, connecting to Leeds Pride celebrations and the local LGBT community. This visual expression makes it a recognizable symbol of acceptance within the city.
The bridge works as both a pedestrian and railway passage and is best viewed during daytime when the colors stand out in good light. The best views are from the riverbanks or nearby pathways.
A local activist named Ross McCusker gave the bridge its name as a statement for social progress. This personal commitment transformed a functional structure into a symbol of change.
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