Remember the 24th Street Pedestrian Bridge? It offered a spectacular view of the Minneapolis skyline. This wasn’t just any bridge. It linked the Phillips and Whittier neighborhoods. For decades it was a photographer’s paradise.
From its elevated position above I-35W you could capture stunning shots. The downtown skyscrapers loomed in the distance. The glow of headlights at night created magical long-exposure photos. These images became iconic. They filled Instagram feeds.
The bridge wasn’t just a pretty picture. It was a vital pedestrian and cyclist connection. But time and progress marched on. As part of a huge freeway reconstruction project the bridge was slated for demolition.
Before its removal in 2018 MnDOT held a special event. Photographers flocked to capture one last sunset. They squeezed their cameras through holes cut in the chain-link fence. Some drivers even honked in appreciation. The scene was truly unique.
The new bridge is wider and more accessible. It lacks the old bridge’s charm. It sits 20 feet lower. The view is different but the connection remains. MnDOT even saved pieces of the old chain-link fence. Those pieces now represent a piece of Minneapolis history. The new bridge however will never quite capture the magic of its predecessor. The old 24th Street Pedestrian Bridge lives on in countless photographs. They remain a testament to its unique perspective and undeniable allure.