This is one of the busiest bridges of Oregon, with numerous cyclists and vehicles crossing it every day. You can run into some crowds on a nice day or during festivals and other public events. Traffic tends to get less busy in the evenings and early mornings.
The oldest functioning vertical-lift bridge in the US and the oldest highway bridge in Portland, the Hawthorne Bridge was constructed in 1910 to replace the wooden Madison Street Bridge built in 1900. The bridge was named after Dr. James C. Hawthorne, co-founder of the the Oregon Asylum for the Insane on what is now SE Hawthorne Boulevard in the 1850s.
The bridge relies on a system of counterweights and cables to lift and lower the lift span, like similar bridges. Hawthorne’s operating system is mostly original, while the electrical power and control systems have been upgraded over the years. In 1998-99, a 13-month renovation took place that involved painting, deck replacement, strengthening and upgrading of some of the bridge’s elements.
Some facts about the bridge:
The bridge spans the Willamette River, joining Hawthorne Boulevard and Madison Street.
Yamhill District light rail station is about 10 min walk from the bridge. Buses 6, 10, and 14 stop at SW Madison & 1st and on the east bank of the river, bus number 51 stops at SW 2nd & Taylor.
The bridge also has two dedicated lanes for cyclists and pedestrians.
The bridge is part of our walking tour of downtown Portland that takes you along the riverside while showing some major points of interest in the city.
Admission to the bridge is free.