St. Johns Bridge

St. Johns Bridge is a steel suspension bridge spanning the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon. It connects the St. Johns neighborhood in North Portland to the Linnton and Forest Park areas to the southwest. Designed by renowned engineer David B. Steinman, the bridge is notable for its distinctive Gothic-style towers and vibrant green color, making it a prominent landmark in the Pacific Northwest.

History

The need for a high-level bridge at this location became apparent in the early 20th century as the industrial areas of St. Johns and Linnton grew, and ferry service proved inadequate. The project was championed by the Multnomah County government and financed through a bond measure approved by voters. Construction began in 1929 during the onset of the Great Depression, providing crucial employment. Upon its opening in 1931, it was the longest suspension bridge west of Detroit and immediately became a vital transportation link for the Portland region, facilitating the movement of goods and people between burgeoning industrial zones.

Design and construction

The bridge's design was the work of the celebrated engineer David B. Steinman and his firm Robinson & Steinman, who were also responsible for notable spans like the Mount Hope Bridge and the later Mackinac Bridge. Steinman collaborated with architect A. B. Guthrie to create the bridge's most iconic feature: its pair of steel towers featuring Gothic-inspired arches and finials. The original color was a standard gray, but in a 2005 repainting, the bridge received its now-famous custom "St. Johns Green" hue. The construction contract was awarded to the American Bridge Company, which fabricated the steel components, while the substructure work, including the massive concrete piers, was handled by the John H. Moon Corporation.

Engineering and specifications

As a suspension bridge, its main span of 1,207 feet is supported by two large steel cables, each composed of thousands of individual wires spun in place, a technique pioneered on projects like the Brooklyn Bridge. The cables are anchored into solid rock on both shores, with the north anchorage embedded in the Willamette River bluff near Cathedral Park. The bridge deck rises 205 feet above the water, allowing ample clearance for large ships traveling to upstream ports. The structure carries US 30 Bypass and features a 40-foot wide roadway flanked by two 8.5-foot wide sidewalks, making it one of the few major bridges in Portland with dedicated pedestrian access.

Cultural significance

The bridge is a beloved civic symbol and has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and works of art, including the 1985 movie *The Goonies* and the television series *Grimm*. The land beneath its north approach was transformed into Cathedral Park, named for the cathedral-like view through the Gothic towers, which hosts the annual Cathedral Park Jazz Festival. Its distinctive silhouette is a favorite subject for photographers and painters, often framed against the backdrop of Forest Park or the West Hills. The bridge is also a centerpiece for community events and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognized for its engineering and architectural significance.

See also

* Fremont Bridge (Portland) * Steel Bridge * David B. Steinman * Suspension bridge * List of bridges on the National Register of Historic Places in Oregon

Category:Bridges in Portland, Oregon Category:Suspension bridges in the United States Category:National Register of Historic Places in Portland, Oregon Category:Bridges on the U.S. Highway System Category:Buildings and structures in Multnomah County, Oregon