Davenport Skybridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Davenport Skybridge |
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| Coordinates | 41°31′12″N 90°34′30″W / 41.52000°N 90.57500°W |
| Carries | Pedestrians |
| Crosses | River Drive (Highway 67) |
| Locale | Davenport, Iowa |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Cable-Stayed |
| Total length | 575 feet |
| Height | 50 feet |
| History | |
| Architect | Neumann Monson |
| Designer | Holabird & Root |
| Constructed by | Russell |
| Construction cost | $7 million |
| Opened | June 19, 2005 |
The Davenport Skybridge is a special bridge just for people walking. It crosses over River Drive (also known as Highway 67) in downtown Davenport, Iowa. This cool bridge connects LeClaire Park to a courtyard and parking area on 2nd Street. It's also very close to the River Music Experience.
The Skybridge was finished in 2005. It stands 50 feet (15 m) tall and stretches 575 feet (175 m) long. It has tall columns that are 99 feet (30 m) high. The bridge was designed by two companies: Holabird & Root and Neumann Monson, P.C.
Awesome Views from the Skybridge
At the end of the bridge that faces the river, there's a special spot called an observation deck. From here, you can see amazing views! You'll get a great look at the mighty Mississippi River. You can also see the LeClaire Park Bandshell, where concerts happen. The Centennial Bridge is visible too. Plus, you can watch all the fun festivals that take place on the Davenport Levee during warmer months.
Cool Kaleidoscope Lights
One of the most exciting things about the Skybridge is its amazing lights! Inside, it has special kaleidoscope lighting. This means the lights can create many different patterns and colors. There are 228 LED light fixtures and a total of 8,036 individual lights.
These lights can change to match different events or holidays. For example, on Independence Day, the bridge might glow red, white, and blue. For Christmas, it could be red and green. The lights make the Skybridge look really cool, especially at night!
How the Skybridge Was Built
The Skybridge was part of a big plan to make the Riverfront and Downtown Davenport even better. This plan was called River Renaissance. The total cost to build this amazing bridge was $7 million.
Many different groups helped pay for it. The state of Iowa gave $3.5 million. The Rhythm City Casino contributed $2 million. The City of Davenport also helped by spending $500,000. Another group, the Riverboat Development Authority, added $1.3 million. The main idea behind the bridge was to create a fun place for tourists to visit. It also gives people a safe way to cross the busy highway.
