Dimensions
tower height | 15.24 m | |
span | 83.82 m | |
deck | deck width | 2.3 m |
Other name(s): | "Swinging Bridge" |
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Beginning of works: | 1886 |
Completion: | 1887 |
Status: | demolished (7 October 1983) |
Structure: |
Suspension bridge with cable-stays |
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Function / usage: |
Pedestrian bridge (footbridge) |
Material: |
Iron bridge Structurae Plus/Pro - Subscribe Now! |
Support conditions: |
for registered users |
Plan view: |
Structurae Plus/Pro - Subscribe Now! |
Location: |
Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania, USA |
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Coordinates: | 40° 19' 28.10" N 75° 55' 34.44" W |
tower height | 15.24 m | |
span | 83.82 m | |
deck | deck width | 2.3 m |
January 1887 | Beginning of construction. |
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21 May 1887 | Construction of the towers begins under the direction of Wilhelm Hildenbrand of John A. Roebling's Sons. |
4 August 1887 | Several hundred members of the St. John's Church walk across the bridge making it sway to a point were it was impossible to walk. Hence the nickname "Swinging Bridge". |
The walkway curved as the center was 27 feet above the rails and the ends being 23 feet. The walkway was 7.5 feet wide. The cables were painted blue and light grey and the wood work was painted a light orange with dark trimmings.