It is the oldest functional vertical lift bridge in the United States.
The bridge's lift span weighs approximately 1,480,000 pounds.
The current structure replaced a previous bridge that was destroyed by fire in 1904.
It handles an average of over 8,000 bicycle crossings daily, making it the busiest bicycle bridge in the city.
The bridge is painted a specific shade known as 'Hawthorne Green' to distinguish it from the city's other river crossings.
The bridge relies on two 450-horsepower electric motors to operate the vertical lift mechanism.
The Hawthorne Bridge is a vertical lift bridge spanning the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon, connecting Hawthorne Boulevard on the east side to Madison Street on the west side. Completed in 1910, it holds the record as the oldest vertical lift bridge still in operation in the United States. The structure features a truss design painted in its iconic 'Hawthorne Green' color. It serves as a major arterial link for cars, cyclists, and pedestrians, featuring a high volume of bicycle traffic compared to other regional bridges. The bridge span lifts vertically to allow tall maritime traffic to pass underneath, triggered by signaling from river vessels. Its current configuration replaced an earlier 1891 bridge that was demolished to accommodate the modern design. The bridge is managed by Multnomah County and remains a central transit component for the city's downtown core.
The Eastbank Esplanade, which provides an unobstructed profile view of the bridge against the downtown skyline.
Prioritize the wide pedestrian and bicycle paths on the outer edges for the best views.
Be prepared to stop if the bridge is raised for river traffic, as it can cause temporary delays.
Visit during the morning commute to witness the significant volume of daily bicycle traffic.
Attempting to walk across during peak rush hour if you prefer a quiet experience, as it becomes crowded with commuters.
The bridge remains open year-round, but lift operations occur on demand for river traffic, which may temporarily pause bridge access.
Cyclists should yield to pedestrians on shared paths and use bells to signal passing.
