Noke News explores parts of Roanoke by foot, equipped with a camera and a notepad, in hopes of learning something new. Perhaps you will too.

When traveling along Memorial Avenue in the direction of downtown, eventually you must drive on an old bridge in order to continue on your way.

Memorial Bridge in Roanoke

It also allows passing over the Roanoke River and it’s here that Memorial Avenue is linked to, and turns into, 13th Street SW.

The bridge is just past Ghent Hill Park.

Several times a week I zoom across the bridge by car in order to get where I’m going. But, taking the time to walk across the bridge by foot reveals a bit more.

Let’s take a closer look:

For a little history, there is a good article on the Memorial Bridge in Roanoke City at Wikipedia.

In short, as Roanoke grew (circa 1925-26) a more direct route became necessary to connect Central and Downtown Roanoke with the Southwest part of the City. And upon completion the bridge was to act as a memorial for military veterans from the first World War.

To this effect, there are a series of historic plaques on display along the bridge, predominantly at the four corners. (The specific contents of these plaques are I think far better appreciated in person, rather than repeated by me here.)

And along the the bridge are a number of American flags mounted at the top of posts. This seems to be easily one of more recognizable aspects of the Memorial Bridge.

Also special about this, and any bridge, are some of the views that are seen when peering over the edges.

The Roanoke River, as Seen from the Memorial Bridge

The Roanoke River runs beneath the Memorial Bridge and is partly covered on one side by trees extending their reach outward, and who I suppose are yearing to see some of their new green leaves reflected in the water.

The other bank had some open patches, which provided space for a mid-day fisherman to rest while waiting for a bite.

There is also a set of train tracks running beneath the bridge, which I found memorable enough to capture in a picture. I’m fascinated in looking at a small section of track like this, and then watching it quickly disppear in the distance.

I wonder where it eventually goes?

For aspects like these I think a bridge ends up being more than just a bridge. It’s not only the structure itself that acts as an attraction, but also the views and corresponding thoughts that come about as a result.

And after a visit, you may even be writing me with stories!