Market Street Bridge (Chattanooga) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Market Street Bridge |
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| Carries | 4 lanes of North Market Street |
| Crosses | Tennessee River |
| Locale | Chattanooga, Tennessee |
| Official name | Chief John Ross Bridge |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Double-leaf bascule bridge |
| Total length | 1894.5 ft (577 m) |
| Width | 36 ft (11 m) |
| Longest span | 358.8 ft (109 m) |
| History | |
| Opened | 1917 |
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Market Street Bridge
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| NRHP reference No. | 10001047 |
| Added to NRHP | December 20, 2010 |
The Market Street Bridge is a famous bridge in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It's also known as the Chief John Ross Bridge. This bridge crosses the Tennessee River, connecting downtown Chattanooga with the Northshore area. It carries North Market Street, which used to be part of U.S. Route 127. The bridge was named after Cherokee Chief John Ross. It was finished in 1917 and cost about $1.1 million back then.
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What is a Bascule Bridge?
The Market Street Bridge is a special type of bridge called a bascule bridge. A bascule bridge has a moving part that lifts up. This allows boats to pass underneath. The Market Street Bridge has a "double-leaf" design. This means it has two parts that lift up, like two giant arms.
How the Bridge Works
The lifting part of the bridge is made of steel. It uses a "Scherzer rolling lift" system. This system helps the bridge open smoothly. When the bridge opens, its lifting span stands about 70 feet (21 meters) above the water.
When it was built in 1917, the main lifting section was 300 feet (91 meters) long. This made it the longest rolling-lift bascule span in the world at that time.
History of the Bridge
The Market Street Bridge opened in 1917. It was a big project for Chattanooga. In the early days, it carried both cars and streetcars. Streetcars were like electric buses that ran on tracks. However, streetcar service on the bridge stopped in the 1930s.
In 1950, the bridge was officially renamed the Chief John Ross Bridge. This honored the important Cherokee leader.
Renovations and Inspections
The bridge closed in 2005 for a big renovation project. It reopened on August 4, 2007. This was even earlier than planned.
The US Coast Guard requires regular checks of the bridge. Four times a year, the bridge closes briefly. This allows workers to test its hinge mechanism. These inspections make sure the bridge is safe and working correctly.
A Historic Landmark
The Market Street Bridge is an important part of history. On December 20, 2010, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as a special historic site.
