Background

Old Steel Railroad Bridge: A Relic of Tampa's Past

Explore Tampa's Old Steel Railroad Bridge, a historical landmark showcasing early 20th-century engineering amidst the vibrant downtown atmosphere, offering picturesque river views and a glimpse into the city's past.

4.6

The Old Steel Railroad Bridge, a historical landmark in downtown Tampa, offers a glimpse into the city's rich industrial past. Built in the early 20th century, this through truss bascule bridge showcases impressive steelwork and a design that reflects the engineering prowess of its time. While no longer in operation, the bridge serves as a reminder of the importance of rail transportation in Tampa's development. Visitors can enjoy picturesque views of the Hillsborough River and the surrounding cityscape, making it a popular spot for leisurely strolls and photography, especially at sunset. The bridge is easily accessible as part of the Tampa Riverwalk, connecting to nearby parks, attractions, and dining options, providing a serene escape amidst the bustling city life. Its historical context and architectural charm make it a worthwhile stop for those exploring Tampa's downtown area.

A brief summary to Old Steel Railroad Bridge

  • 516 W Cass St, Tampa, Downtown, Florida, 33602, US
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit during sunset for stunning views of the Hillsborough River and the Tampa skyline.
  • Bring a camera to capture the intricate details of the bridge's architecture and the surrounding scenery.
  • Take a leisurely stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk to fully experience the bridge and its connection to other downtown attractions.
  • Check out nearby parks like Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park for a relaxing picnic after your visit.
  • Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid crowds and enjoy a quieter experience.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are already in Downtown Tampa, you can easily walk to the Old Steel Railroad Bridge. Start near the Tampa Riverwalk, accessible near the East Tower of Heron residences. Head west on W Cass St. The bridge is located at 516 W Cass St, just before you reach the intersection with N Tampa St. You will see the bridge on your right. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    If you are in Downtown Tampa, start by finding the nearest bus stop for HART (Hillsborough Area Regional Transit). You can take Bus Route 1 (Northbound). Board the bus at any stop along the route and pay your fare. Stay on the bus until you reach the 'Cass St @ Tampa St' stop. Once you get off the bus, walk west along Cass St for about two blocks. The Old Steel Railroad Bridge will be on your right at 516 W Cass St. A one-way cash fare is $4.00.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    If you prefer a more direct route, you can use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft. Open the app and set your destination to 'Old Steel Railroad Bridge, 516 W Cass St, Tampa, FL 33602'. Depending on your starting point in downtown Tampa, the estimated cost is between $8 and $15.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 516 W Cass St, Tampa, FL 33602. Several parking garages are available in downtown Tampa. Standard rates are $2.00 per hour, but depending on special events in the area could range from $5.00 to $50.00 depending on the event. Daily parking maximum is $15 at the Tampa Convention Center Parking Garage. Street parking is also available, typically costing around $1.60 per hour, enforced Monday through Saturday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Unlock the Best of Old Steel Railroad Bridge

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Old Steel Railroad Bridge

The Old Steel Railroad Bridge stands as a proud monument to Tampa's industrial heritage, a testament to the city's growth and evolution during the early 1900s. Located in the heart of downtown Tampa, near the W. Cass Street Bridge, this historic structure offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and appreciate the engineering marvels of a bygone era. Originally constructed in 1915, the through truss bascule bridge played a vital role in facilitating rail transport across the Hillsborough River. It served as a crucial link for the Seaboard Air Line Railway, enabling the efficient movement of goods and passengers to and from the city's bustling port. The bridge's design, featuring a movable span that could be raised to allow ships to pass, was a marvel of engineering for its time, showcasing the ingenuity and skill of the engineers and workers who brought it to life. Over the years, as transportation methods evolved, the Old Steel Railroad Bridge gradually became obsolete. However, rather than being demolished, it was preserved as a historical landmark, a tangible reminder of Tampa's industrial roots. Today, the bridge no longer carries trains, but it continues to serve as a pedestrian crossing, offering stunning views of the Hillsborough River and the surrounding cityscape. The bridge's intricate steelwork and robust design are a sight to behold, reflecting the industrial aesthetic of the early 20th century. Its weathered appearance adds to its charm, hinting at the many years of service it provided to the city. Walking across the bridge, visitors can imagine the trains that once rumbled along its tracks, carrying goods and people to and from Tampa's port. The Old Steel Railroad Bridge is an integral part of the Tampa Riverwalk, a 2.6-mile-long pedestrian trail that winds along the Hillsborough River. The Riverwalk connects a variety of parks, attractions, and public spaces, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. As visitors stroll along the Riverwalk, they can easily access the Old Steel Railroad Bridge and take a moment to appreciate its historical significance. The area surrounding the bridge offers a variety of attractions and activities. Nearby parks provide green spaces for relaxation and recreation, while waterfront restaurants and cafes offer opportunities to enjoy a meal or a drink with a view. The bridge is also conveniently located near several of Tampa's cultural attractions, including the Tampa Museum of Art and the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. Visiting the Old Steel Railroad Bridge is particularly rewarding at sunset, when the sky is painted in vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple. The bridge's steel structure provides a striking silhouette against the colorful backdrop, creating a memorable photo opportunity. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a scenic spot to take a walk, the Old Steel Railroad Bridge is sure to impress. While exploring the area, visitors can also discover nearby parks and waterfront spaces that enhance the experience of visiting this historical site. The Old Steel Railroad Bridge is not just a crossing; it is an integral part of Tampa's history and a beautiful reminder of the past that continues to connect people to the present. Despite not being the most extensive tourist attraction, its charm lies in its historical context and the stories it tells about the city's evolution over the years. Visitors are often drawn to the bridge for its unique architectural features, which include intricate steelwork and a design that reflects the industrial aesthetic of its era. The surrounding area offers picturesque views of the river, making it an ideal spot for photography or a peaceful walk, especially during sunset when the sky is painted in vibrant hues. In 2022, the city announced plans to develop new segments of the Riverwalk along the west side of the Hillsborough River, across from the existing path. The west bank addition would stretch north into the neighborhood of West Tampa and would be connected to a "Green Spine" of pedestrian and bike-friendly greenways and protected lanes that extend into areas well away from the river, adding an additional 6 miles (9.7 km) to the combined project and creating a large loop. The Cass Street Bridge is a 1927 historic steel structure, a double-span bascule bridge that is an important crossing over navigable water of the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa. The bridge is built with structural steel members to support traffic loads. Due to the age and corrosion of the structural steel members, structural repair and painting work was done in 2007. The structural rehabilitation work has extended the bridge's useful life by 10 – 15 years. However, electrical and mechanical equipment & their parts are old and sometimes unavailable to do repair and are obsolete.

Popular Experiences near Old Steel Railroad Bridge

Popular Hotels near Old Steel Railroad Bridge

Select Currency