Spruce Street Bridge:  a suspension footbridge in Bankers Hill







Built: 1912
Length: 375 feet
Spans: Kate Sessions Canyon
(aka Arroyo Canyon)
Engineer: Edwin Capps

Animated photo
 Spruce St Bridge
 
 
Spruce Street Bridge
Spruce St. Bridge
Perhaps the best known “secret” in the neighborhood is the Spruce Street suspension bridge in northern Bankers Hill. Local kids refer to it as the “wiggly bridge.” It was designed to provide pedestrian passage across a deep canyon, which isolated developing neighborhoods from the newly-built streetcar lines on Fourth and Fifth avenues. From Hillcrest, visiting the bridge is a scenic and comfortable stroll.

From First Avenue turn west (right) on Spruce Street. At the base of this short block is an inconspicuous, but truly special footbridge.
The Spruce Street suspension bridge was built in 1912 and is the only bridge of its type in San Diego County. It crosses Kate Sessions Canyon, honoring the famous horticulturist who is responsible for some of the plantings here.

The footpath floats among treetops, gracefully suspended from two steel cables anchored to concrete piers at either end. The lightness of the bridge allows it to sway and dance in response to wind and walkers.

Designed by Edwin Capps, this unique span was engineered to hold 2,186 people with an average weight of 150 pounds. In the years before and after creating this neighborhood treasure, he was twice elected San Diego Mayor (1899-1901 and 1915-1917).

Please preserve the peacefulness and serenity of this bridge, and treat the old 94-year old gal with the proper respect.



Timeline of local bridges

Hillquest

  Spruce Street Footbridge
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