Center Street Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Center Street Bridge |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Coordinates | 44°56′42″N 123°02′36″W / 44.94500°N 123.04333°W |
| Carries |  OR 22 (Center Street) |
| Crosses | Willamette River |
| Locale | Salem, Oregon |
| Maintained by | Marion County |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Plate girder |
| History | |
| Opened | July 30, 1918 (replaced 1891 steel bridge) |
The Center Street Bridge is a major bridge in Salem, Oregon, in the United States. It crosses over the Willamette River and is a key link for drivers. The bridge connects the community of West Salem with the main part of Salem.
This bridge is special because it only carries traffic in one direction: eastbound. Cars travel from West Salem into the heart of the city. Its partner, the nearby Marion Street Bridge, handles all the westbound traffic going out of the city. Together, they form an important one-way system that keeps traffic moving smoothly.
Contents
History of the Bridge
An Early Crossing
Before the current bridge existed, a steel bridge built in 1891 stood in its place. As Salem grew and more cars were on the road, the city needed a stronger and more modern bridge.
A New Bridge for a Growing City
Construction on the Center Street Bridge we see today began in 1917. It officially opened to the public on July 30, 1918. For many years, it handled traffic going in both directions.
Becoming a One-Way Bridge
In 1954, the new Marion Street Bridge opened right next to it. At that point, the traffic system changed. The Center Street Bridge became eastbound-only, and the Marion Street Bridge became westbound-only. This "one-way pair" helped manage the increasing number of cars in Salem.
In 1983, the bridge was reconstructed and improved. This happened after its partner, the Marion Street Bridge, was widened from two lanes to four.
How the Bridge Works
The Center Street Bridge is a vital part of Oregon Route 22. It carries cars traveling east from the highway and from a local road called Wallace Road.
Once drivers cross the bridge into Salem, they can continue straight onto Center Street. There is also an off-ramp, built in 1977, that takes drivers to Front Street, which runs along the river.
The bridge itself is a plate girder bridge. This means it is built with large steel beams (girders) that are made by riveting or welding steel plates together. This design is very strong and is often used for bridges that need to carry heavy traffic.
See also
- List of crossings of the Willamette River
- Marion Street Bridge
