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Friday, September 6, 2013

Visit Orlando Bridges

By Mellanie Hermin


The biggest inland city in Florida, Orlando is a beautiful place. The final topography of Orlando is wet and low, making Orlando bridges necessary for spanning the many lakes, marshes and swamps that make up the landscape of the area. Much of Orlando centers on Disney World and Resort, the popular theme park that the the town is most famous for. The Disney Amphitheater is situated in Lake Eola Park, where a water fountain displays the name of Orlando as "The City Beautiful". Florida has a good range of bridges which cross many miles of inland and inter-coastal waters, the bridges of Orlando are simple and generally built around the the Disney World Resort, and to satisfy local traffic and intercity wants.

Emory L. Bennett Causeway

Located on U.S. Highway 1, the Emory L. Bennett Causeway was dedicated in 1963 as a 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 Korean War.

Remodeled Railroad Trail Bridges - West Orange Trail Bridge

Originally built along the Orange Belt Railroad Line, the West Orange Trail Bridge is a remodeled road that takes travelers through Orlando via the old railroad route. The trail itself weaves along the original path of the historical railroad, with many cuts and divisions that make allowance for train usage of the existing rail tracks for commerce and business. The bridge is a covered one lane crossing over the Florida Turnpike, often referred to 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 rail tracks include the Cady Way Trail Bridge. The Cady Way Trail is found on what was once the East Florida and Atlantic Railroad. Used basically as a pedestrian bridge and bike trail, it's 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 popular 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 suburb and park. No wagons are permitted, as the bridge has a clearance of only 6 feet and 10 inches. The bridge is built of wood and found on Horatio Avenue, spanning a canal connecting Lake Minnehaha and Lake Maitland. This 2-lane covered bridge is a modern construction and one out of many modern covered bridges called "suburb covered bridges" in the Orlando area.

Walt Disney World Swing Bridge

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




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