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The Big Four Bridge, Louisville

4.8
#6 of 175 in Things to do in Louisville
Bridge · Tourist Spot
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The Big Four Bridge is a six-span former railroad truss bridge that crosses the Ohio River, connecting Louisville, Kentucky, and Jeffersonville, Indiana. It was completed in 1895, and updated in 1929. The largest single span is, with the entire bridge spanning 2525ft. It took its name from the defunct Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railway, which was nicknamed the "Big Four Railroad". It is now a converted pedestrian and bicycle bridge from Louisville into Jeffersonville, Indiana.
Access to the Big Four Bridge is limited to pedestrian and bicycle use. A pedestrian ramp on the Kentucky side was opened on February 7, 2013. The original approaches that carried rail traffic onto the main spans were first removed in 1969, earning the Big Four Bridge the nickname "Bridge That Goes Nowhere". The George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge downstream, which carries U.S. 31 across the river, was previously the only bridge allowing bicyclists and pedestrians to travel between Louisville and the neighboring Indiana cities of New Albany, Clarksville, and Jeffersonville.
In February 2011, Kentucky and Indiana announced that the two states, along with the City of Jeffersonville, would allocate $22 million in funding to complete the Big Four Bridge project, creating a pedestrian and bicycle path to link Louisville and Jeffersonville. Indiana would spend up to $8 million and the City of Jeffersonville would provide $2 million in matching dollars to pay for construction of a ramp to the Big Four Bridge. Kentucky pledged $12 million to replace the deck on the bridge and connect it to the spiral ramp that was completed in Waterfront Park. Plan my trip to Louisville with suggested itineraries provided by Inspirock.
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The Big Four Bridge reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
1,958 reviews
Google
4.8
TripAdvisor
  • A true treasure to have restored for public use. The easy hike shows the view of the entire city. Go on a pretty day and enjoy! 
    A true treasure to have restored for public use. The easy hike shows the view of the entire city. Go on a pretty day and enjoy!  more »
  • A really nice walk across - very safe, lots of people around and there is music right in the middle of the bridge which was a nice surprise. Great view! And I, of course as a Brit over from the UK... 
    A really nice walk across - very safe, lots of people around and there is music right in the middle of the bridge which was a nice surprise. Great view! And I, of course as a Brit over from the UK...  more »
Google
  • A very peaceful and relaxing walking trail bridge across the Ohio river and connecting two states. Very beautifully converted 19th century railroad bridge. One will also learn the history along its way. Suitable for all ages and also for physically challenged. An exclusive approach path, a spiraling pathway starting straight from the parking lot is creative and impressive. A nice view of the cities on either side of both the states and of the river is very refreshing.
  • One of our favorite places to go. A beautiful bridge with beautiful scenery. The walk from Indiana to Kentucky is not bad at all and is completely worth it. I proposed to my beautiful wife here and it will forever hold a special place in my heart. 10/10 recommend for anyone in the area! It even has a park on both ends for your children to play at.

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