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Information:
The Freemont Bridge has the longest main span of any bridge in Oregon and is the second longest tied-arch bridge in the world, the longest being the Caiyanba Bridge across the Yangtze river in China. The Freemont Bridge has two decks of four lanes each which carry vehicular traffic across the Willamette river.
This bridge was name for John Charles Freemont (1813-1890) who was an early explorer of the Oregon country, serving in the US Army as a Captain and later promoted to General. He was also a politician, serving as a US Senator from California and first Republican nominee for president in 1856, but he was defeated by James Buchanan.
In 1976, an American flag and an Oregon state flag were added atop the structure as part of the bicentennial celebration for the United States, installed with the use of a helicopter. The 15 foot by 25 foot flags are attached to 50 foot tall flagpoles at the crest of the arches.
In 1995, the Freemont Bridge became the location of the 26th Peregrine Falcon nest after the raptor was placed on the US endangered species list in 1970.
Driving Directions:
The Freemont bridge is located in Portland, Oregon over the Willamette River, which connects IH 405, together with US 30 on the west side of the River to IH 5 on the east side of the river.
Location:
Coordinates:
45.5377083 -122/6825027
Elevation:
feet
Bridge Specification
Bridge Type:
Steel, Cable Tied Arch bridge
Two decks with four lanes each
Date Open:
15 November 1973
Total Length:
2154 feet
Total Width:
68 feet
Main Span Length:
1255.3 feet;
Crosses:
Willamette River and surface streets
Clearance Above:
(Vehicle Clearance) 18.3 feet.
Clearance Below:
(Vessel Clearance) 175 feet.
Cost to Build:
$82.00 million
Cost in 1973, equal to $549 million in 2021
(m4bridge-arch-or-freemont-bridge) The Freemont Bridge
Photo Credit: Tony Webster
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