John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge |
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John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, seen from Riverfront Park
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| Carries | pedestrians and bicycles |
| Crosses | Cumberland River |
| Locale | Nashville, Tennessee |
| Maintained by | Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | multi-span truss bridge |
| Total length | 3,150 feet (960 m) |
| Width | 36.4 feet (11.1 m) |
| Longest span | 317.8 feet (96.9 m) |
| Clearance above | 16 feet (4.9 m) |
| History | |
| Opened | July 5, 1909 |
The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge is a famous bridge in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. It crosses the Cumberland River. This bridge is special because it's only for people walking and riding bikes, not cars! It first opened a long time ago, on July 5, 1909. After being used by cars for many years, it was reopened just for pedestrians and cyclists on August 3, 2003.
This amazing bridge is about 960 meters (3,150 feet) long. That makes it one of the longest bridges in the world made just for people! It's a type of bridge called a truss bridge. A truss bridge uses a strong framework of connected triangles to support the weight. This design makes it very sturdy.
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History of the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
The bridge was originally known as the Shelby Street Bridge. It was built to connect downtown Nashville with the Shelby Street neighborhood. For many years, it was an important route for cars and other vehicles.
From Car Bridge to Pedestrian Walkway
Over time, the bridge needed a lot of repairs. Instead of tearing it down, people decided to give it a new life. They transformed it into a beautiful bridge just for walking and biking. This project helped connect different parts of Nashville for people on foot. It also created a wonderful spot to enjoy views of the city and the river.
Why the Name Change?
In April 2014, the Shelby Street Bridge was renamed the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. This was done to honor a very important person named John Seigenthaler. He was a famous journalist, writer, and civil rights activist from Nashville. He worked hard to make the world a better place. Renaming the bridge after him was a way to remember his contributions to the community.
Exploring the Bridge Today
Today, the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. It offers amazing views of the Nashville skyline, including the Nissan Stadium and the Ryman Auditorium. You can see boats on the Cumberland River below.
A Place for Fun and Events
The bridge is not just for crossing the river. It's also a place where people gather. You might see people jogging, walking their dogs, or just enjoying the fresh air. Sometimes, special events like fireworks displays or festivals happen near the bridge. Its new lighting system, added during its renovation, makes it look beautiful at night.
Images for kids
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John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge in the 1920s
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John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge in 1998
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As part of the bridge's renovation for pedestrian use, an extensive new lighting system was installed.
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View from the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge in 2021, overlooking Cumberland River.
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View into downtown from the bridge.
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View of the riverfront and downtown from the bridge.
