Umpqua River Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Umpqua River Bridge |
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| Carries |  US 101 |
| Crosses | Umpqua River |
| Locale | Reedsport, Oregon |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Swing bridge |
| Material | Steel |
| History | |
| Designer | Conde B. McCullough |
| Construction begin | 1934 |
| Opened | 1936 |
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Umpqua River Bridge No. 01822
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The bridge in 1939
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| Location | Reedsport, Oregon |
| Built | 1934–1936 |
| MPS | McCullough, C.B., Major Oregon Coast Highway Bridges, 1927–1936 |
| NRHP reference No. | 05000815 |
| Added to NRHP | August 5, 2005 |
The Umpqua River Bridge is a special bridge in Reedsport, Oregon. It crosses the Umpqua River. This bridge is known as a swing bridge. This means a part of the bridge can swing open. It lets tall boats pass through. The bridge was finished in 1936. It cost about $510,500 to build.
This bridge is found on U.S. Route 101. It is the only swing bridge left on Oregon's state highway system. A famous person named Conde McCullough designed it. He was a master bridge builder for Oregon. The bridge first opened to cars on July 3, 1936.
The north side of the bridge is near Bolon Island Tideways State Scenic Corridor. The south side is inside Reedsport city. The Umpqua River Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 5, 2005. This means it is a very important historical site.
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What is a Swing Bridge?
A swing bridge is a type of movable bridge. It has a section that can turn or "swing" open. This allows boats and ships to pass through. When the bridge is closed, cars can drive over it. When a tall ship needs to pass, the middle part swings to the side. This creates a clear path for the ship.
Why a Swing Span Was Needed
The Umpqua River was once very busy with tall sailing ships. These ships needed a lot of space to pass under bridges. A regular bridge would have been too low. So, a swing bridge was the best choice. It allowed both cars and ships to use the river safely.
Building a Landmark Bridge
The Umpqua River Bridge was built between 1934 and 1936. It was a big project during that time. The bridge has a central part that swings. On each side of this swinging part, there are two strong concrete arches. These arches help support the bridge.
The Designer: Conde McCullough
Conde B. McCullough was a very important person in Oregon's history. He designed many beautiful bridges along the Oregon Coast. The Umpqua River Bridge is one of his famous works. His bridges are known for being strong and good-looking. They are also built to last a long time.
A Bridge with History
When the bridge first opened in 1936, there was no big party. The President of the United States, Franklin Roosevelt, could not come. So, the ceremony was put off.
A Long-Awaited Celebration
Many years later, the bridge finally got its special day. On September 8, 2011, a dedication ceremony was held. This was to celebrate the bridge's 75th birthday. At 3 PM, the bridge opened and closed. Then, a ribbon was cut. Old cars from the 1910s, 1920s, and 1930s drove across the bridge. It was a fun way to honor this historic structure.
Gallery
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Umpqua River Bridge seen towards north
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