World's Tallest Bridge Observatory, world record near Prospect, Maine
Prospect, Maine, United States--The
Penobscot Narrows Bridge near Prospect, Maine, United States, is a 2,120-foot-long (650 m) cable-stayed bridge that carries US 1/SR 3 over the Penobscot River and connects Verona Island to Prospect, in the U.S. state of Maine; the 420-foot (128 m) west tower is home to the Penobscot Narrows Observatory, the first bridge observation tower in the United States and the
World's tallest public bridge observatory, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.
"The Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory is the crown jewel of coastal Maine, offering spectacular 360-degree views of the Penobscot River and Bay, the Maine countryside and the distant western mountains," the Maine.gov says.
"Tourists and travel writers alike have been attracted to the unique character of this structure, its historical significance and the stunning vistas. Engineering and transportation geeks are fascinated by the award-winning and innovative design. Visitors of all ages and interests will enjoy this unique campus that includes:
- the tallest public bridge observatory in the world;
- historic Fort Knox;
- picnic tables and grills;
- a diversity of interpretive panels explaining the history of the region, natural wildlife of the area and more;
- a covered pavilion for hosting family reunions, small weddings and other special events; as well as
- the perfect backdrops for your vacation or family photos.
"The Penobscot Narrows Bridge is a 2,120-foot-long (650 m) cable-stayed bridge that carries US 1/SR 3 over the Penobscot River. It connects Verona Island to Prospect, in the U.S. state of Maine. It opened in December 2006, replacing the Waldo–Hancock Bridge, built in 1931.
"The Penobscot Narrows Bridge is one of three bridges in the US (the others being the Zakim Bridge in Boston, Massachusetts, and the Veterans' Glass City Skyway in Toledo, Ohio) constructed recently using a cradle system that carries the strands within the stays from bridge deck to bridge deck, as a continuous element, eliminating anchorages in the pylons. Each epoxy-coated steel strand is carried inside the cradle in a one-inch steel tube. Each strand acts independently, allowing for removal, inspection and replacement of individual strands. The cable-stay system was designed with a system that uses pressurized nitrogen gas to defend against corrosion.
"The bridge was designed as an emergency replacement for the Waldo–Hancock Bridge. Just 42 months elapsed from conception to completion. A unique project delivery method, referred to as "owner facilitated design/build", partnered Maine DOT with FIGG as the designer and Cianbro/Reed & Reed LLC as the contractor. The elevator system in the tower, which is claimed to be the fastest and tallest elevator in Maine, was installed by Stanley Elevator Company, Inc.
"The Penobscot Bridge site is home to the Penobscot Narrows Observatory, the first bridge observation tower in the United States and the tallest public bridge observatory in the world. it is located in the 420-foot (128 m) west tower, allowing visitors to view the bridge, the nearby Fort Knox State Historic Site, the Penobscot River, and Penobscot Bay." (Wikipedia)
"Fort Knox Historic Site and the Penobscot Narrows Bridge Observatory are open:
- 9am to 5pm in May/June/September/October
- 9am to 6pm in July and August
The Fort itself remains open an hour later than the observatory
Grounds are open until sunset, weather-depending.
Pets are welcome everywhere (except in the Observatory) if on a 4'-6' leash, cleaned up after, and not a nuisance to other guests. Pets are not allowed to be unattended in your vehicle.
"The Fort Knox Historic Site features one of the best-preserved examples of coastal defense fortifications constructed in the mid-1800s. It is America's first fort named after Major General Henry Knox. Volunteer docents (experts) provide free interpretive tours (when available) from May 1st through October 31st, between 11 am to 3 pm.
"The PNO is the tallest bridge observatory open to the public in the world. Visitors to the observatory ride Maine's fastest elevator up 420' feet for breathtaking 360-degree views of the Penobscot Bay area," the Fort-Knox Maine says.
"It’s no secret that Maine is beautiful, but the Penobscot Narrows Bridge Observatory offers one of the best observation points in New England if not all of the United States. It is the first bridge observation tower in the nation and the tallest public bridge observatory in the entire world,"
The Country Inn says.
"The Penobscot Narrows Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge that spans more than 2,100 feet. It connects the towns of Verona and Prospect in midcoast Maine, about a half hour south of Bangor. It serves both U.S. Route 1 and State Route 3. The bridge opened in 2006 and is one of the three U.S. bridges built using the cradle system. It was built for $85 million to replace the Waldo-Hancock Bridge, which was ceremoniously closed and later demolished.
"The observatory opened to the public in 2007 and is generally open seasonally from May through October. This observatory is only one of 4 such observatories in the world and only one in the United States. One notable feature in the observatory itself is the granite floor, which is inlaid with a bronze compass rose. The compass is designed to orient the public with all four directions and is a sort of homage to Samuel de Champlain, a French explorer whose travels took him up the Penobscot River."
"The Penobscot Narrows Bridge, a 2,120' stretch of US 1/SR 3, connects Verona Island and Downeast Maine with Prospect and Mid-coast Maine. It is a frequently traveled route from points south to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park," the
Wander Wisdom says.
"As you approach, the massive support towers catch your eye as they rise over 400 feet above the water. The western tower includes the Penobscot Narrows Observatory. At 420 feet high, it is the first and only bridge observatory in the United States and the tallest public bridge observatory in the world.
"This cable-stayed bridge reminds travelers of the Washington Monument and it looks similar to the better recognized Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge over the Charles River in Boston, MA."
"Bridge observatories are not entirely common throughout the world, which makes the fact that one of the biggest is right here in Maine even more impressive. The Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory is a cable suspension bridge measuring at an impressive 2,120 feet," the Only In Your State says.
"It connects the towns of Verona Island and Prospect by spanning the Penobscot River, which is also known as "the Narrows." It was opened in 2006 when it replaced the Waldo-Hancock Bridge built in 1931.
"Just looking at this beautiful structure is enough to wow visitors, but the fact that it’s also the first bridge observation tower in the country makes it even more incredible. In addition to that, it’s also the tallest public bridge observatory across the globe. The bridge is incredible, but the observatory at the top is truly remarkable. The 420-foot observatory offers 360-degree views of the area including over historic 1844 Fort Knox, which is adjacent."
"Discover the breathtaking views from the tallest public bridge observatory in the world; taller than the Statue of Liberty, the 360-degree view from the Penobscot Narrows Observatory offers a panoramic look across Maine’s western mountains and lakes, and into Penobscot Bay," the Visit Maine says.
"A quick, minute-long elevator ride brings you up 420 feet to take in the sights. See the autumn foliage light up the land or marvel at the mountains and the sea landscape.
The observatory is located on the cable-stayed Penobscot Narrows Bridge, a marvelous feat of engineering in itself. The bridge crosses the Penobscot River connecting Verona Island to Prospect and has become an iconic landmark in Maine. Tickets for the ride to the top of the observatory can be purchased as you enter neighboring Fort Knox, Maine's largest historic fort."
"On crisp, clear days, the eagle’s-eye views from the trilevel, glass-curtained Penobscot Narrows Observatory range from Mount Desert Island, home to Acadia National Park, to Mount Katahdin, Maine’s tallest peak," the AFAR says.
"The observatory caps a 447-foot-tall bridge tower rising out of Fort Knox, a state historic site named for George Washington’s first Secretary of War. Construction on the sprawling granite fort, built to protect the upper Penobscot River from attack, began in 1844.
"Although it was neither finished nor utilized in battle, it’s a beauty. Among its prizes are two complete Rodman cannons and eye-candy vistas over Bucksport’s waterfront and Verona Island. Bring a flashlight and waterproof footwear to explore the underground passageways."
"The 2,120’ long Penobscot Narrows Bridge features a 1,161’ state-of-the-art cable-stayed main span and the world’s tallest public bridge observatory located at the top of one of the 420’ pylons," the FIGG Bridge Group says.
"The three-story glass observatory provides visitors with views of the coastline. The bridge opened to traffic 42 months after Maine DOT identified the emergency replacement need.
"Through a series of public workshops, the community selected the theme of “Granite – Simple & Elegant” in honor of the long-time granite quarrying industry located close to the bridge site."
"Those looking for an eye-opening experience during their Maine getaway should consider a trip to the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory. Not only is it the tallest public bridge observatory in the world, it’s also directly adjacent to Fort Knox, Maine’s largest historic fort!" the
Pentagöet Inn & Pub says.
"The Penobscot Narrows Bridge connects Verona Island to the mainland, over the Penobscot River, about a half an hour northwest of our Castine bed and breakfast. The 2,120 feet (646 m) long, cable-stayed bridge opened in 2006, replacing the 1931 Waldo–Hancock Bridge. All of that just makes the Penobscot Narrows sound like your average bridge, which it most definitely is not!
"For one thing, the bridge’s architecture is beautiful to observe and also quite unique. It’s one of only three bridges in the US using a cradle system for its cable stays. Further, the Penobscot Narrows Bridge is also home to an observatory and not just any observatory, either. It’s the tallest public bridge observatory in the world, in fact. Taller than the Statue of Liberty!"
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