Folsom’s iconic Rainbow Bridge turns 100 years old on Sunday, Feb. 10, and the City of Folsom is inviting everyone to join in the 100-day centennial celebration.
Construction began on the Rainbow Bridge in 1917, and in 1918, when the bridge was going up, the Telegraph described the structure as rising apparently out of solid rocks. In 1919, the bridge opened to motorists to cross the American River. Standing strong 100 years later, this Folsom landmark has served as a symbol of strength for the City of Folsom.
Sacramento County had big plans for Rainbow Bridge when it opened. The graceful structure with its distinctive concrete arch was to be the final link in a ’40-mile loop through some of the richest agricultural lands in the state.’ County officials predicated the pastoral drive between Sacramento and Folsom was destined to become famous as a tourist attraction. Rainbow Bridge is still one of the most photographed posts on the American River.
When the bridge was built, the concrete arch was the fourth largest concrete arch span in the world. The open-spandrel arch, with cutouts between the arch and roadway, was a popular design in the early 1900s.
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