Swinging Bridge

Pontiac, Illinois

Pontiac has three unique swinging bridges for pedestrian traffic. The oldest bridge was built in July 1898 by Joliet Bridge Company and spans the Vermilion River from Riverside Drive to Play Park. Anchored by a concrete and iron structure, 190 feet long and 4 feet wide and supported by cables swung from masonry piers, the bridge was originally constructed to allow workers who lived on the south side of Pontiac to get to the shoe factories on the north side quickly, and with minimal effort. The current bridge has a wooden walkway. All three bridges cross the Vermilion River. Although the wooden walkways on the bridges have been replaced many times, the ironwork on the bridges is original.