Spruce Street Bridge
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Spruce Street Suspension Bridge
Tip of the Week: March 24, 2007
One of our personal favorite places is the Spruce Street Bridge.
This nearly 100 year-old suspension bridge was built in 1912 between 1st Avenue and Banker's Hill, allowing pedestrians to cross over one of San Diego's many urban canyons-Kate Sessions Canyon.
Rising above the canyon at 75 feet and 375 feet long, the bridge can support 164 tons, or 2,186-150 lb. people. It is constructed of giant steel cables that stretch out over the canyon. Wooden planks have been replaced by planks made of recycled composite materials. Even with the addition
of the new planks, the bridge still creaks and moans. And most importantly, the bridge has not lost its trademark sway. Every time we pause in the middle of the span, we take the time to marvel at the engineering and the skill that it took to this great bridge.
You can find the Spruce Street Bridge just west of 1st Avenue on Spruce Street just north of downtown San Diego. From downtown travel north on 1st Avenue to Spruce Street. Turn left on Spruce and follow until the road ends.
Take a walk out to the Spruce Street Bridge and take in its setting. Listen and observe the natural environment amidst the airplanes, cars and train horns in the distance. It is well worth your time. And, if you walk west on the bridge, make sure to check out the great hidden neighborhood, Banker's Hill, at the end of the bridge.
If you like bridges, as we do, stop over at the Quince Street foot bridge at Quince and 4th Avenue (which can be accessed from Quince and just east on 3rd Avenue). The canyon below Qunice Street foot bridge, Maple Canyon, is walkable as an urban trail.
Spruce Street Bridge
Front Street and W. Spruce Street
Map to Spruce Street Bridge
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