The bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the United States west of the Mississippi River at the time of its completion.
It is the only suspension bridge in the Portland metropolitan area.
The towers were built with an intricate lattice-truss design to mimic the vertical lines of Gothic cathedrals.
During its construction, the bridge required 8,000 tons of steel and 20,000 cubic yards of concrete.
The structure was designed to allow large deep-draft ocean-going vessels to pass beneath it into the Portland harbor.
It was one of the last major bridge projects in the Pacific Northwest to use rivet-joined construction.
The bridge's original color was an 'o'xblood red' before being repainted to its current 'St. Johns Blue' in 2005.
St. Johns Bridge is a steel suspension bridge spanning the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon. Completed in 1931, it was designed by David B. Steinman with a Gothic-inspired architectural style featuring two 408-foot towers. It holds the distinction of being the tallest bridge in Portland, with a clearance of 205 feet above the water. The structure serves as a critical link between the St. Johns neighborhood and the Linnton area. It is a registered National Historic Landmark recognized for its engineering and aesthetic significance. The bridge spans a total length of 2,067 feet. It remains an active transportation artery for vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians.
The north bank of Cathedral Park looking upward toward the bridge towers.
Use the sidewalk on the west side of the bridge for the safest pedestrian experience and clearest views of the river.
Wind speeds can be significantly higher on the bridge deck than on the ground level, so dress in layers.
Parking is limited; look for street parking in the adjacent Cathedral Park neighborhood.
Attempting to cross the bridge on foot during peak rush hour traffic when vehicle noise and exhaust are high.
