Yaquina Bay Bridge, Deck arch bridge in Newport, United States
The Yaquina Bay Bridge spans Yaquina Bay south of Newport, Oregon, carrying U.S. Route 101. Its 600-foot main span is a semi-through steel arch with the roadway passing through the middle, flanked by two identical 350-foot steel deck arches and, to the south, five concrete deck arches of diminishing size. Tall obelisk-like concrete finials mark the main piers; the balustrade has small pointed arches.
This structure was designed by architect Conde McCullough during the Great Depression era of the 1930s. Its completion and opening in 1936 marked an important step in connecting the region's communities.
The bridge mixes Art Deco and Art Moderne motifs with forms borrowed from Gothic architecture. The Gothic influence shows in the balustrade's small pointed arches and in the side-span piers. Pedestrian plazas at both ends offer views of the structure and stairways down to the parks at the landings. Pedestals were built for proposed seal sculptures, but the statues were never made.
The bridge is part of Route 101 and allows crossing by car as well as on foot via separate pathways on both sides. The best time to visit is during clear weather when you can enjoy the views of the bay and coastline.
The structure is notable because it combines two different construction methods in one: parts function as a through arch while others operate as a deck arch. This combination makes it a rare example of engineering innovation from that era.
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