Madison Street Bridge

Madison Street Bridge was a crossing spanning the Willamette River that connected Madison Street on the west bank to Hawthorne Avenue on the east bank. The structure featured a movable draw span to allow river traffic to pass beneath it.

The first structure was completed in 1891 by the Pacific Bridge Company and initially operated as a toll crossing until residents raised funds to purchase it. A disaster in 1893 resulted in seven deaths when a streetcar vehicle departed the open draw span, becoming one of Portland's worst transportation incidents.

The bridge served as a vital link between Portland's west and east sides, enabling the movement of goods and people that helped establish trade routes across the city. Its presence shaped how neighborhoods developed and how residents thought about connectivity between different parts of town.

The site requires careful crossing, particularly when the movable section operates, as traffic must stop during these movements. Visitors should be aware that the structure is historic and underwent extensive maintenance and reconstruction work to ensure stability.

The structure was completely rebuilt in 1900 with enhanced structural improvements that reflected advances in engineering of the period. This reconstruction came after the tragic 1893 accident and demonstrated how such events prompted investments in newer safety methods.

GPS coordinates: 45.51320,-122.67094

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:21