The Remarkable Bridge In Arizona That Everyone Should Visit At Least Once
By Katie Lawrence|Published October 17, 2018
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Tucson is a city of the arts, and Rattlesnake Bridge reflects that quirkiness better than anything else. Serving as both a shortcut across town and an architectural masterpiece, every Arizonian needs to walk through it at least once.
Built in 2002, this giant serpent is impressive on multiple levels. Not only is it biologically correct, but also has the exact color scheme of a real rattlesnake!
Spanning 280 feet, both foot and bicycle traffic can enjoy traversing through the belly of this beast. Even vehicles passing underneath can appreciate the extremely accurate anatomical details.
Pedestrians enter through a gaping reptilian mouth underneath piercing red eyes and sharp fangs disguised as support beams. The eyes used to glow at night, but no longer do so after funds for art maintenance were eliminated.
Tucson residents weren't too fond of the structure at first, claiming it was too immature for a major city. We suppose they've warmed up to it over time considering the Diamondback still stands more than 15 years later.
At the end is a 30-foot tall tail statue, also constructed and painted with striking precision. It used to make a hissing noise every time someone exited the bridge, however, budget cuts eliminated that feature as well.
Head to the corner of Broadway & Euclid,
Tucson, Arizona, 85719 to experience it firsthand. Not many bridges are also must-visit attractions, so we're blessed to have this unique opportunity here in Arizona!