Of the nine bridges crossing the Ohio River at Cincinnati, only one is purple — and it’s the one that is only for people.
The Newport Southbank Bridge — popularly known as the Purple People Bridge — is a pedestrian-only bridge that stretches 2,670 feet (one-half of a mile) across the river from Newport to downtown Cincinnati and to trails along the river on both sides.
The bridge itself dates from 1872 and was the areas first railroad bridge. In late 2001, the City of Newport and Southbank Partners received $4 million in state funds to paint and restore the bridge. CSX donated its portion of the bridge to the City, which transferred ownership to the Newport Southbank Bridge Company which is now a pedestrian link between Newport and Cincinnati, a tourist attraction and an event venue.
The bridge can be rented for events.
