Memorial Bridge (Palatka, Florida)
Encyclopedia
Memorial Bridge spans the St. Johns River
and connects Palatka
to East Palatka, Florida
. The bridge is the only permanent vehicle crossing between Green Cove Springs
and Astor
. As such, the bridge is an important part of connecting the region. Both US 17 and SR 100 use the bridge as a river crossing.
The first bridge spanning this portion of river was constructed by the Palatka Bridge Company in 1888 and was built for rail operated vehicles. The first concrete bridge was completed in 1927 and carried two lanes of vehicular traffic. The former draw bridge was built to honor the military personnel of Putnam County. Four bronze military service men statues proudly watched over the bridge, with two standing guard at each side. Today, the span continues to commemorates the men and women of Putnam County serving in the military. The Doughboy
statues can still be seen stand at the foot of the current bridge.
Completed in 1976, the four lane bridge is 4,020 ft long and has a vertical clearance of 65 ft. Public parks lie at both ends of the bridge; Goodwin Riverfront Park is on the west end in Palatka, and Veterans Memorial Park is on the east end in East Palatka.
St. Johns River
The St. Johns River is the longest river in the U.S. state of Florida and its most significant for commercial and recreational use. At long, it winds through or borders twelve counties, three of which are the state's largest. The drop in elevation from the headwaters to the mouth is less than ;...
and connects Palatka
Palatka, Florida
Palatka is a city in Putnam County, Florida, United States. The population was 10,033 at the 2000 census. As of 2004, the population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau is 10,796. It is the county seat of Putnam County and includes East Palatka. Palatka is the principal city of the Palatka...
to East Palatka, Florida
East Palatka, Florida
East Palatka is a census-designated place in Putnam County, Florida, United States. The population was 1,654 at the 2010 census.-Geography:East Palatka is located at ....
. The bridge is the only permanent vehicle crossing between Green Cove Springs
Green Cove Springs, Florida
Green Cove Springs is a city in Clay County, Florida, United States. The population was 5,378 at the 2000 census. As of 2010, the population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau is 6,908. It is the county seat of Clay County....
and Astor
Astor, Florida
Astor is a census-designated place in Lake County, Florida, United States. It is located along the St. Johns River between Lake George and Lake Dexter, across from the community of Volusia. The population was 1,487 at the 2000 census...
. As such, the bridge is an important part of connecting the region. Both US 17 and SR 100 use the bridge as a river crossing.
The first bridge spanning this portion of river was constructed by the Palatka Bridge Company in 1888 and was built for rail operated vehicles. The first concrete bridge was completed in 1927 and carried two lanes of vehicular traffic. The former draw bridge was built to honor the military personnel of Putnam County. Four bronze military service men statues proudly watched over the bridge, with two standing guard at each side. Today, the span continues to commemorates the men and women of Putnam County serving in the military. The Doughboy
Doughboy
Doughboy is an informal term for an American soldier, especially members of the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I. The term dates back to the Mexican–American War of 1846–48....
statues can still be seen stand at the foot of the current bridge.
Completed in 1976, the four lane bridge is 4,020 ft long and has a vertical clearance of 65 ft. Public parks lie at both ends of the bridge; Goodwin Riverfront Park is on the west end in Palatka, and Veterans Memorial Park is on the east end in East Palatka.