Hal W. Adams Bridge

While Florida is a bridge heavy state, the Hal W. Adams bridge is something special, at least for Floridians.

With a structure length of 687 feet, the state’s very first suspension bridge is made with riveted steel towers and Warren pony truss stiffening.  It stretches over the Suwanee River, connecting Suwanee and Lafayette Counties. 

Named for Hal W. Adams, who once served as a county judge in Lafayette County and circuit judge for both counties, the Hal W. Adams Bridge was completed in 1947.  It has the following architecturally interesting features: a rare small-scale span length of only 420 feet; the main cable, rather than being a single unit with wrapping, is composed of eight separate and bare wire cables; the anchor eyebars are not enclosed.

For those who are less architecturally inclined or interested in the bridge’s details, a boat launch area at the south end of the bridge allows for great views of the span and of the beautiful Suwanee River.