Purple People Bridge, Cincinnati

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The Purple People Bridge connects downtown Cincinnati with the shopping area of Covington Kentucky. The development is called Newport on the Levee, and it is basically a huge shopping mall very much like any other. It does however have some of it's city's German food and beer along with a handful of other unique establishments.

The Purple People Bridge takes about 7-8 minutes ot cross at a leisurely stroll. If you are so inclined, you can climb the bridge for a small fee, but you will require safety gear. Either way you get a majestic view of the river, cities, and skylines. There is no charge, and there are separate lanes for joggers and cyclists. Of course, no automobiles are allowed.

Of the nine bridges that span the Ohio River between Cincinnati and Kentucky, this is the only one that is purple. It is also the only bridge dedicated exclusively to pedestrian traffic. The bridge was built in 1872 to carry tracks for the L&N (Louisville and Nashville) Railroad. In recent years, after the railroad no longer needed the bridge, the municipal governments on either side renovated the bridge at a cost $4 million and God knows how many gallons of lavender paint.

On April 25, 2003, the newly renovated Purple People Bridge opened to pedestrians, bicyclists, and skaters. At 17-feet-wide and 2,670-feet-long (just over 1/2 mile) It is one of the longest pedestrian bridges in America. At the Ohio foot of the bridge is Sawyer Point, a Cincinnati riverfront park and venue for numerous festivals and special events. The southern end is in Newport, Kentucky, at that city's wonderful new entertainment complex, Newport on the Levee. The pedestrian bridge provides a seamless collection of dining, nightlife, festivals, parks, attractions and entertainment. The walk across the bridge offers splendid views of the river and the city skylines on either side.

No, it's not that Cincinnti is bad. There's a huge mall across the Purple People Bridge in Newport, KY, set up in a "town square" style, and including an aquarium and IMAX theater, and several large family-style restaurants. There's a park next door along the river with views of the Cincinnati skyline. And there are good views of both Ohio and Kentucky from the bridge.

Yes, I had "Purple People Eater" running through my head, but that (surprisingly) didn't detract from the power of the Ohio river, or from the markers and descriptions of Cincinnati's history at the outlook points.

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Officially known as the "L & N" (Louisville & Nashville) Bridge; this retired railroad bridge is now strictly a pedestrian bridge, connecting Newport, KY to the riverfront park in downtown Cincinnati.

As you walk across, you'll find benches and planters to enhance your experience. Sit down and enjoy the view of downtown.

The namesake of Cincinnati.

This legendary Roman is seen here after he defeated the Aequians and rescued the trapped Roman Army.

In one hand he holds the Fasces, the symbol of power as the dictator of Rome.

In his other hand, he holds a plow, because he soon returns to life as a farmer and citizen

A recently converted railroad and automobile bridge now accomodates only foot traffic. It has been painted light purple and has large flower pots and many benches spread out along its expanse. It provides easy access to the Bicentennial Commons/Serpentine Wall area of Cincinnati's downtown riverfront from the "new" entertainment region of Newport, KY. Along the Kentucky riverfront you can find the Newport on the Levy entertainment complex, the Newport Aquarium and MANY restaurants to fit all tastes and budgets. The newset being the Hofbrauhaus, which is directly across the street as you exit the bridge on the KY side.