The original Main Avenue Bridge was built in 1869 as a swing bridge, and was one of the first iron bridges in the city. At it's peak, the bridge was swinging 9000 times a year. The high-level bridge replaced the swing bridge in 1939. The bridge's length is 5920 ft, but is 8000 ft including the approach ramps. The bridge includes clear spans from 200 to 320 ft long, and are all of truss-cantilever style.
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The bridge was constructed from both ends, and finally connected in the middle. On April 25, 1939, in the presence of a large crowd, a golden rivet was driven home to link the east and west sides. The bridge now soars directly above the extremely popular "Flats" area of Cleveland. Restaurants, bars, entertainment complexes, and the Nautica concert stage are all scattered below on both banks of the river.
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