Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory

Last year we visited the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory but I never got around to blogging it.  This place is worth a visit if you are ever in the area.

(Click on any picture to enlarge it)

The bridge spans the Penobscot River, linking the town of Prospect with Verona.

The bridge and observatory officially opened in May, 2007.

The interior floor is paved from granite from the nearby Mosquito Mountain quarry.

There are very nice interpretive panels at the base of the observatory.

The observatory is at 420 feet in elevation which makes it the highest bridge observatory in the world.  Lucky for us - there is an elevator!

I did not want to have to walk down 25 stories of steps.  It would not be worth a $20 gift certificate for the Fort Knox gift shop!

The 360-degree view from the top is outstanding!

The bridge spans 2,120 feet from the east shore to the west shore.

The bridge is 135 feet above the Penobscot River.

It is one of only four bridge observatories in the world. The other three are in China, Thailand and Slovakia.

 Looking down at the cars on the bridge.

The interpretive panels are very useful to determine what you are seeing in the distance.

It cost $85 million to design and build.  It was planned, funded, designed, permitted and built in 42 months.

 Driving up to the bridge.

 Driving on the bridge.

Next time: Fort Knox