Bridges, like the 18th Street Bridge, do more than span gaps. They connect histories. This bridge is commonly known to Denverites as the 18th Street Bridge. However, its official name is the Union Gateway Bridge.
Here, we stand before a testament to Denver’s evolving landscape. The 18th Street Bridge links Riverfront Park and Union Station districts. These districts are in the Central Platte Valley. The bridge provides safe passage over the Consolidated Main Line freight tracks. Soon, it will also span the tail tracks for the light rail station. This station will be relocated a block away at 17th Street.
Imagine a time before this connection existed. The completion of the 18th Street Bridge was a crucial step. It unified previously separated parts of the city.
The bridge isn’t just a functional structure. It’s a symbol of progress and connection. It embodies Denver’s commitment to accessible urban spaces. As you walk across the 18th Street Bridge, consider its role in Denver’s story.
The 19th Street Bridge is another important bridge nearby. In 1888, it replaced a wooden structure. It carried automobile traffic until 1986. The 19th Street Bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Many bridges were built across the South Platte River. This started in 1859. By 1875, there was interest in a bridge at the 19th Street location. In 1876, a wooden bridge was built there. A flood damaged this bridge. It closed to traffic in 1884. The city of Denver decided to replace wooden bridges with metal structures. Metal bridges were more durable.
In 1887, the Missouri Valley Bridge and Iron Works was contracted. They would build the 19th Street Bridge. The structure cost $25,000. This included $8,250 for 120 feet of iron. Construction was complete in 1888.
Around 1898, there was a plan. The plan was to rebuild the bridge as a viaduct. This would cross the river and the rail switching yard. But the plan was defeated in 1904. The bridge has remained mostly unmodified since construction. Timber decking was replaced with corrugated steel. This followed a 1961 flood. Some bent hinges were replaced after a 1965 flood. The 19th Street Bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This happened on February 4, 1985.
In 1986, the 19th Street Bridge was restricted to pedestrians and bicycles. This was due to wear and deterioration from salt. A new vehicular bridge was planned downstream. It was built in 1992. It was called the Nineteen and A-Half Street Bridge.
The 19th Street Bridge has hosted the annual Gala on the Bridge. This is a fundraiser for The Greenway Foundation. It began in 2011.
At the time of its NRHP nomination, the 19th Street Bridge was special. It was the oldest surviving wrought iron bridge. It was the oldest vehicular bridge at its original location. Also, it was the oldest vehicular bridge still in public use.
The 19th Street Bridge has a two-span through Pratt truss design. Each span has five panels. The structure is about 200 feet long. The roadway is about 22.5 feet wide. The roadbed is concrete on corrugated metal. This replaced the original wood decking. The structural members are made of wrought iron. They are pin-connected. The top chords are horizontal. The upper struts are unusually deep I-beams. Sidewalks cantilever off both sides of the bridge. They are decorated with iron newels and latticework. The south sidewalk allows pedestrians. The north one has no deck. It carries utility lines. Ashlar piers of solid stone support the bridge. The latticed portals feature decorative cast iron crests and finials. There is also a plaque with the builder’s inscription. History Colorado describes it as one of the most ornamental in Colorado.