Diamondback (Rattlesnake) Bridge
 |
 |
 |
 |
Location: Broadway avenue, just west of Euclid (click for a satellite view and map from Google)
Description: Pedestrian bridge in the shape of a rattlesnake — including a tail with rattles. Walking or riding your bcycle into the open jaws is an experience. Lighted inside at night. Access from the pedestrian/bicycle path connected with Aviation Bikeway.
There are several small parks nearby.
Artist: Simon Donovan
Joan Blosser wrote,
We were just in your city seeking sun and were delighted with your wonderful Rattlesnake bridge and the photos of times gone by.
Link | February 28th, 2008 at 9:24 am
Heather wrote,
I love that bridge and I can’t wait to see it again when I come down there to visit!!!
Link | April 23rd, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Denise wrote,
My niece wants to see this bridge when we visit my mother in July. Mom can’t figure out if there is anywhere nearby to park. Any suggestions/directions? My mother can’t walk a lot, so somewhere nearby she could sit in the shade would also be useful.
Link | June 21st, 2010 at 2:13 pm
jpeek wrote,
Denise,
There are businesses on the south end of the bridge — a car wash on Broadway and (farther back, on a side street) a 9-1-1 collision repair business. I’ll bet they’d let her park for a few minutes and walk up the slight hill to see the bridge from inside.
It’s worth walking through, by the way. The view is interesting. And, if you walk around the tail entrance for a little while (top-left photo above), the snake will “rattle” at you.
In July (unless you love he heat), go as early in the morning as you can. That’s when I took the photos above… the shadows are better then, too.
Jerry
Link | June 22nd, 2010 at 8:42 am
Charles wrote,
I love that bridge. My parents live in Tucson and I always make it a point to bring my own kids there to see it. They’re at that age where they just kind of stare at this piece of functional art. Pretty neat.
Link | July 26th, 2011 at 4:16 am
jpeek wrote,
Thanks, Charles.
Just by (sad) coincidence, the Arizona Daily Star ran an article yesterday by reporter Phil Villarreal:
‘Snake’ bridge in disrepair due to Tucson’s cash shortage
The bridge is a bit ugly and rusty now, but the story says it’s not dangerous. The artist, Simon Donovan, “is realistic” about the cost of maintenance. And he quipped “Snakes shed their skin.”
Let’s hope the city can find a donor with at least part of the $200,000 needed! By the way, the article also mentions that it’s:
Link | July 26th, 2011 at 5:43 am
Taylor wrote,
Very, Very, Very Cool
We are planning a trip to the area and I came across your site looking for site seeing ideas.
We have two little boys who would be very impressed with this type of structure and would definitely look forward to seeing it. Something to have them look forward to as I’m sure they’re not going to be interested in some of the stuff mom and dad want to see.
Thanks
Link | August 12th, 2011 at 9:17 am