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Canyon Padre Bridge: A Step Back in Time

Discover a hidden gem of Route 66 history at the Canyon Padre Bridge near Flagstaff, Arizona.

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The Canyon Padre Bridge, located about 22 miles east of Flagstaff, Arizona, is a historic bridge that once carried Route 66 traffic. Built in 1914, this Luten arch bridge offers a glimpse into early 20th-century highway travel.

A brief summary to Canyon Padre Bridge

  • Flagstaff, Arizona, 86004, US

Local tips

  • Take the Winona exit from I-40 and double back east on the north frontage road to access the bridge without trespassing.
  • Consider hiking to the bridge rather than driving across it due to its fragile condition.
  • Bring your camera to capture the unique architecture and historic details of this Luten arch bridge.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Flagstaff, take I-40 East towards Winslow. Take the Winona exit (Exit 211). Turn left and double back east on the north frontage road. Follow the road for several miles; FR510 on some maps. The bridge will be on your right. There is no dedicated parking area, so park safely on the shoulder of the road. Be mindful of local traffic. There are no tolls or parking fees.

  • Walking

    From the shoulder of the road, walk a short distance to the bridge. Be cautious of the surrounding terrain, which may be rocky and uneven. The bridge is visible from the road, but approach with care, as the bridge is old and may be fragile.

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Discover more about Canyon Padre Bridge

The Canyon Padre Bridge, a little-known landmark in Coconino County, Arizona, stands as a testament to early automotive travel and engineering. Constructed in 1914, the bridge spans the Canyon Padre, a minor yet significant obstacle for the Santa Fe Highway, which later became part of the iconic Route 66. State engineer Lamar Cobb commissioned the bridge in 1913, and its completion in April 1914 marked a crucial development for transportation in the region. The bridge is notable as Arizona's first Luten arch bridge, a patented design with a distinctive horseshoe arch, of which only around 4,000 were built nationwide. Its elegant railing supports and curved bracings showcase an artistry rarely seen in modern infrastructure. For over two decades, the Canyon Padre Bridge served as a vital link along the Santa Fe Highway until it was replaced in 1937. Today, it carries local traffic on the Navajo Nation, offering a tangible connection to the past. The bridge and the surrounding road remain in largely original condition, providing a vivid impression of highway travel in the 1920s and 1930s. Though time and weather have taken their toll, the bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. Visitors can experience this piece of history by taking a short detour from Interstate 40. While the bridge's condition may deter driving across it, a walk along the span offers a unique perspective on a bygone era.

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