Friday, September 6, 2013

Visiting Orlando Bridges

By Mellanie Hermin


Orlando is the biggest city in Florida that isn't on the coast. The overall topography of Orlando is low and wet, making Orlando bridges obligatory for spanning the many marshes, swamps and lakes which make up the area's landscape. Much of Orlando is focused on Disney World Resort, the popular theme park for which the town is most famed for. The Disney Amphitheater is found in Lake Eola Park, where a water fountain portrays the nickname of Orlando as "The City Beautiful". Florida has a wide variety of bridges that traverse and cross cross many miles of inland and inter-coastal waters, the bridges of Orlando are straightforward and generally built around the the Disney World Resort, and to satisfy local traffic and intercity wishes.

Emory L. Bennett Causeway

Located on U.S. Highway 1, the Emory L. Bennett Causeway was dedicated in 1963 as a small, two lane toll bridge. The bridge spans the Indian River Lagoon as well as Banana River, and crosses over Merritt Island. It was named after Emory L. Bennett, who received a Medal of Honor for his actions during the time of the Korean War.

Remodeled Railroad Trail Bridges - West Orange Trail Bridge

Originally built for the Orange Belt Railroad Line, the West Orange Trail Bridge is a remodeled road that takes travelers through Orlando through the old railroad route. The trail itself weaves along the old, original path of the historic railroad, with a lot of cuts and divisions that make allowance for train use of the existing rail tracks for commerce and business. The bridge is a covered one lane crossing over the Florida Turnpike, also known as the Ronald Reagan Highway, and the nation's 3rd most traveled toll road.

Cady Way Trail Bridge

Other bridges in Orlando that are built on abandoned railroad tracks include the Cady Way Trail Bridge. The Cady Way Trail is found on what used to be the East Florida and Atlantic Railroad. Used basically as a pedestrian bridge and bike trail, it is a tied arch bridge with a basket weave netting supported by green arched beams. The bridge crosses over S.R. 436, and the trail is preferred for marathon runs for Orlando residents.

Suburban Covered Bridges - Old Horatio Covered Bridge

Old Horatio Bridge is located on a quiet residential street, leading into an Orlando area park and suburb. No lorries are allowed, considering that the bridge has a clearance of only six feet and ten inches. The bridge is constructed of wood and located on Horatio Avenue, spanning a canal connecting Lake Minnehaha and Lake Maitland. This 2-lane covered bridge is a modern construction and one of many modern covered bridges called "suburb covered bridges" located the Orlando area.

Walt Disney World Swing Bridge

One of the most famous bridges in Orlando would be Walt Disney World Swing Bridge. The swing bridge is a heavily bolted and riveted pony truss bridge crossing canal on the Disney World Railroad. The Walt Disney World Swing Bridge is open to park traffic.




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