Detroit-Superior Bridge — Attraction in Cleveland

I love bridges (bias disclaimer). The commonly labeled Detroit Superior Bridge is actually the Veterans Memorial Bridge according to a bronze plaque on the North East abutment, a sign over the bridge segment and various other plaques from rededications. The bridge has pedestrian walkways on both sides of the bridge affording impressive views of the Cuyahoga River, the Flats, Lake Erie, etc. On the South side sidewalk, near the Superior Avenue side, there is a plaza with flags of the armed services, the Stars and Stripes as well as an MIA flag. There are plaques honoring our patriotic veterans who fought for our freedom. There are some whimsical sculptures along the bridge by Don Harvey (2004) titled "Weather Sculptures". I am posting a picture taken from the RTA Red Line train between Downtown and W. 25th Street. The Flat Iron Cafe is in the foreground. The first arch of the elevated approach to the bridge from the East has a welded notice "Formed November 1, 1915". As part of Cleveland History Days 2023 (23 June to 2 July), Cuyahoga Co. presents "Rediscover Veterans Memorial Bridge" (aka Superior Detroit Bridge), opening the historic street car level of the bridge to the public on Saturday 24 June. Planners are soliciting ideas for use of the space for Clevelanders and visitors to the Best Location in the Nation. I am adding an interesting, serendipitous photo of the Veteran's Memorial Bridge taken in the Flats that includes the Center Street Swing Bridge, the B&O (jack knife) Railroad Bridge 463 raised on the right, a seagull in flight between the first two bridges and mostly obscured by the willow tree on the left side of the photo, the Great Hunger Monument (The US flag just visible...

The Veterans Memorial Bridge, usually closed to pedestrians, opened to the public for a rare and unforgettable event this weekend—and surreal is truly the only way to describe it. Spanning the Cuyahoga River with sweeping views of downtown Cleveland and Lake Erie, the bridge came alive with history, music, art installations, and the steady hum of people soaking in the atmosphere.

Walking its full length felt like stepping into a dream: the early 20th-century architecture, usually reserved for motorists, became a pedestrian haven for one night. The mix of veterans’ tributes, community storytelling, and live performances brought the city’s past and present into sharp, beautiful focus. The bridge itself became the star—towering and majestic, it carried not just traffic, but memories.

Local vendors lined the span, offering everything from handmade crafts to classic Cleveland bites, while musicians filled the air with a soundtrack worthy of the setting. Lights danced on the steel girders, and the city skyline lit up in the distance like something out of a movie.

This event was more than just a bridge walk—it was a moving tribute, a community celebration, and an artistic experience all in one. I won’t miss next year’s. If you weren’t there this time, do yourself a favor: make...

The Detroit–Superior Bridge (officially known as the Veterans Memorial Bridge) is a 3,112-foot-long (949 m) through arch bridge over the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland, Ohio. The bridge links Detroit Avenue on Cleveland's west side and Superior Avenue on Cleveland's east side, terminating west of Public Square. Construction by the King Bridge Company began in 1914 and completed in 1918, at a cost of $5.4 million. It was the first fixed high-level bridge in Cleveland, and the third high-level bridge above the Cuyahoga River, after the Old Superior Viaduct and the Central Viaduct, also built by the King Company.

The bridge is a cantilevered three-hinged steel arch that features a trussed arch built to the Pratt truss configuration. The bridge has 96 feet (29 m) of clearance above the river, allowing for uninterrupted vehicle traffic.

The Detroit–Superior Bridge was designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1974. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The bridge is a popular tourist destination and a distinctive feature of the Cleveland skyline. It is also a major transportation link, carrying over 100,000...