The Tallest, Most Impressive Bridge In Texas Can Be Found In The Town Of Port Arthur
By Katie Lawrence|Published April 06, 2020
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing.
Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.
Texas is home to many impressive bridges, but none quite compare to Rainbow Bridge in Port Arthur. Not only is it the tallest bridge in the state, but it’s also among the oldest — and, in our opinion, one of the most thrilling, as well! Take a look:
Guided by the Texas State Highway Department, construction on the Rainbow Bridge began in 1936. It was completed two years later, and the nearby town of Prairie View became Bridge City in commemoration.
After being originally named the "Port Arthur-Orange Bridge," a name change was enacted in 1957. The bridge was finally added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.
With a vertical clearance of 177 feet, the bridge was designed to accommodate what was once the largest ship in the U.S. Navy: USS Patoka. The immense height of the Rainbow Bridge also allowed for the construction of offshore drilling rigs at the Bethlehem Steel Beaumont Shipyard.
Driving on the 680-foot long bridge is an exhilarating experience, albeit a little bit scary. Driver's Education students in the area have to conquer it as their final assignment before tackling the permit test -- needless to say, they're well-prepared!
Texas sunsets are always a sight for sore eyes, but even more so when they illuminate an architectural wonder. A picturesque view if we've ever seen one!
Have you ever driven over the Rainbow Bridge? If so, is it as impressive as pictures suggest? Let us know, and check out our previous article for more bridges in the Lone Star State: You’ll Want To Cross These 15 Beautiful Bridges In Texas.
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