Savannah’s Talmadge Memorial Bridge
The Talmadge Memorial Bridge under the stars at night - Photos by Artist Charles Maring
The Gateway to Downtown Savannah, GA
Welcome to Savannah, Georgia!"
This is the thought that goes through my head every time I see the Talmadge Bridge up ahead as I’m headed home on US 17. It’s also one of the coolest views from the Savannah Proper art loft day and night, so it somehow also says to me welcome home. Today lets explore a little about this gateway to Savannah, Georgia.
The Talmadge Bridge is a historic bridge that spans the Savannah River, connecting Savannah, Georgia to Hutchinson Island. The bridge is named after Eugene Talmadge, a former Governor of Georgia who was in office from 1933-1937 and again from 1941-1943.
Construction of the Talmadge Bridge began in 1988 and was completed in 1991. The bridge was designed by the Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade & Douglas engineering firm. The total cost of the bridge was approximately $71 million.
Prior to the construction of the Talmadge Bridge, the only way to cross the Savannah River was via the Eugene Talmadge Memorial Bridge, which was completed in 1953. However, as the population of Savannah continued to grow, the city realized that it needed another bridge to alleviate traffic congestion and improve transportation between Savannah and the Hutchinson Island area. The prior bridge was also inadequate to the growing port city, and needed to be replaced to allow larger vessels in.
The Georgia Queen riverboat cruise with the Talmadge Bridge at sunset in Savannah GA. Remnants of the original bridge can be seen below in the distance.
The Talmadge Bridge is an impressive feat of engineering, with a total length of 1.9 miles and a main span of 1,100 feet carrying four lanes of traffic on Hwy 17. It stands 185 feet above the water, allowing large cargo ships to pass underneath. The bridge is made up of a concrete deck supported by steel cables, and is designed to withstand hurricane-force winds.
Since its completion, the Talmadge Bridge has become an important landmark in Savannah, and is one of the most recognizable features of the city's skyline. The bridge has also played a role in a number of cultural events in Savannah, including the Savannah Bridge Run, an annual race that attracts runners from all over the world.
In 2023 plans have been approved to move forward to replace the cables on the bridge, without interrupting the flow of traffic, to raise the structure even further so that taller ships can more easily be accommodated by the port. The cost is expected to be around $150 million to $175 million. Exact timeline of construction has not been finalized as of now.
A tall cargo ship leaving Savannah Georgia after passing under the Talmadge Bridge. This is currently among the tallest ships that can make passage under the bridge.
Overall, the Talmadge Bridge remains an important part of Savannah's history and infrastructure. Its construction was a significant achievement for the city, and it continues to serve as an important transportation link between Savannah and Hutchinson Island.