Though the Hawaiian Islands may not have a plethora of rivers and lakes, the Aloha State is still full of gorgeous bridges that cross over streams, creeks, and even the Pacific Ocean. From swinging rope footbridges to massive feats of engineering, bridges in Hawaii are as unique as the people who reside here. There is one bridge, though, that everyone needs to visit at least once.
An islet in the center of Pearl Harbor, Ford Island measures in at more than 400 acres. The island was sold to the U.S. Army in 1916 for use by an aviation division and later taken over by the U.S. Navy in 1939 as a station for battleship and submarine maintenance.
The entire island was designated as a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1964, as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, and it’s easy to see why. However, perhaps the most fascinating thing about this little island in the middle of Pearl Harbor is the bridge leading to it.
Also known as the Admiral Clarey Bridge, this floating concrete drawbridge measures in at more than 4,600 feet in length.
Featuring a 930-foot pontoon section that can be retracted under the fixed bridge in order to accommodate the Navy’s largest battleships and aircraft carriers to pass through as well as a 650-foot wide channel and a 100-foot wide, 3-foot high opening for smaller craft under an elevated span, this bridge is one-of-a-kind.
The bridge cost approximately 78 million dollars and took two years to complete, coming in under budget and completed ahead of time.
This remarkable bridge is one of only a few floating bridges, and it’s floating moveable span is the largest worldwide. In 1999, the bridge’s design earned an award of merit for outstanding projects from the American Society of Civil Engineers as well as the United States Department of Transportation Honor Award for design excellence in 2000.
In addition to being a fascinating feat of engineering, the Ford Island Bridge is surrounded by some of the island's prettiest scenery and features some pretty stellar views.
The only way to access Ford Island prior to the bridge’s opening in 1998 was via ferry boats operated by Naval personnel. Today, the island is accessible by members of the Armed Forces and DoD cardholders, as well as by those who visit the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites as part of a tour group.
Have you ever seen the remarkable Ford Island Bridge? What about the historic attractions you'll find on the island? If you'd like to check out another one of Hawaii's most unique bridges, click here.
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