The John A. Roebling Bridge has been an iconic landmark over the Ohio River for more than 150 years. Designed by civil engineer John Roebling, the bridge officially opened to traffic on January 1, 1867. Its 1,075 foot span made it the longest bridge in the world.
The bridge is an engineering marvel that employed several new bridge-building techniques. Perhaps its most impressive features are the two primary cables, each containing 5,180 individual wires. The cables were “spun” in place using wire imported from England. A second set of cables was added in 1897 to support heavier loads.
In addition to being a National Historic Landmark, the bridge has been designated as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).
The blue Roebling shares the riverfront with other colorful bridges today, among them the Purple People Bridge and the Big Mac. A little fun on the Ohio River.
The Covington and Cincinnati Bridge was a wonder of the 19th century world and was the prototype for Roebling’s celebrated Brooklyn Bridge.
Today both the Roebling and Brooklyn Bridges are pedestrian bridges and walkers get beautiful views of the cities they connect.
It is a nice walk, across the great old bridge.
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