Driving the winding, scenic highways of the Oregon Coast by car is one of the state’s great pleasures. Rugged headlands, quiet beaches, and wide estuaries offer one breathtaking view after another.
But what you might not be thinking about as you’re soaking in the view is the bridges that tie it all together. Graceful and distinctive, they rise out of the landscapes if they are part of it. Even more extraordinary is that these bridges were the work of one designer, Conde B. McCullough.
Building the Coastal Highway
After World War I, Oregon set out to build a continuous highway along its coastline. Until then, much of the route was disconnected. Drivers had to rely on ferries to cross rivers and bays, which made travel slow and unpredictable. To make the coastal highway a reality, the state needed bridges—many of them. Conde B. McCullough, the state’s bridge engineer from 1919 to 1935, was tasked with the challenge.
Who Was Conde B. McCullough?
Conde McCullough was Oregon’s state bridge engineer during the early 20th century, and his vision helped transform the wild and often disconnected Oregon Coast into a drivable and accessible region.
He didn’t just approach it as an engineering problem. McCullough believed infrastructure could be beautiful. He saw bridges as a chance to create something lasting—structures that would serve a purpose, of course, but also enhance the landscape they occupied. Ultimately, he designed hundreds of custom-designed spans, many of them considered landmarks today.
A Design Philosophy You Can See
What sets McCullough’s bridges apart is how well they fit their surroundings. He paid close attention to site and scale. He also incorporated architectural details not typically seen in highway construction—arches, decorative railings, towers, and sometimes even staircases that lead down to the shoreline. His designs reflect a mix of influences, from classical and Gothic styles to the cleaner lines of Art Deco and Art Moderne.
You can also see how his work evolved. Early bridges leaned heavily on Roman arches and classical symmetry. Later ones brought in more streamlined shapes and bolder elements. Each bridge has its own identity, but they share a common language. Together, they create a rhythm as you travel down the coast.
A historian once described McCullough’s five major coastal bridges as “jeweled clasps along a matched string of pearls”—the pearls being the towns and natural landmarks they connect. It’s an apt image. These bridges don’t stand alone, but tie the journey together.
The Five Landmark Bridges
While McCullough was responsible for hundreds of bridges across the state, five along the Oregon Coast stand out. They’re often referred to as his “big five,” and each one offers a different perspective on his work.
Yaquina Bay Bridge – Newport
Photo by Patrick Boyer
The Yaquina Bay Bridge in Newport is one of the most iconic structures along the Oregon Coast. This 1936 scenic wonder is known for its elegant green arches and Art Deco details. The bridge spans the mouth of Yaquina Bay and connects the north and south parts of Newport. From the bridge’s span, you’ll take in beautiful views of the marina, historic bayfront, and Pacific Ocean. Whether you’re walking the pedestrian path or driving across, it’s hard not to be impressed by the graceful design and sweeping scenery.
Siuslaw River Bridge – Florence
Photo by Gary Heth
The Siuslaw River Bridge in Florence is a beautiful example of 1930s coastal engineering and design. Completed in 1936, this 1,568-foot-long bridge features a central drawbridge flanked by elegant reinforced concrete arches. It’s decorated with Art Deco and Gothic Revival details, including sunburst railings, arched openings, and four striking obelisk-style towers. At night, the bridge is softly lit, giving it a glowing presence over the river.
The bridge was built as part of Roosevelt’s New Deal with Public Works Administration funds, and not only created jobs during the Great Depression but replaced ferry service across the river and became a vital link on U.S. Route 101. Upgrades have preserved its historic charm while improving its safety and function for today’s travelers.
Alsea Bay Bridge – Waldport
The original Alsea Bay Bridge, completed in 1936, was another McCullough gem. It featured three dramatic reinforced‑concrete tied‑arch spans, and was celebrated as one of the finest examples of concrete bridge engineering and Art Deco design in America—until corrosion of its steel reinforcement led to its demolition in 1991.
The modern bridge is a striking modern concrete-and-steel span that pays homage to McCullough’s original design by incorporating original pylons, spires, and railings, as well as a memorial and viewing area at the site to honor his legacy. The original bridge was one of McCullough’s last coastal projects.
Umpqua River Bridge – Reedsport
Photo by Structurae
This charming bascule bridge (a type of drawbridge) features clean lines and classical details. The bridge features a 430-foot steel Parker through-truss swing span—the largest of its kind in the state—flanked on each end by paired 154-foot reinforced‑concrete tied‑arch spans. It’s one of the few remaining McCullough-designed drawbridges still in operation today. This bridge offers a stellar example of McCullough’s attention to proportion and flow.
Conde B. McCullough Memorial Bridge – North Bend
Photo by Structurae
The Conde B. McCullough Memorial Bridge, originally known as the North Bend Bridge, is the longest bridge on the Oregon Coast. It stretches over a mile across Coos Bay, connecting the coastal towns of North Bend and Coos Bay, and is a true engineering marvel.
This bridge stretches 5,305 ft in total length, with a central 793 ft steel cantilever truss that soars 150 ft above the water to allow for uninterrupted maritime traffic. Flanking the steel span are reinforced‑concrete arches in McCullough’s characteristic style, and each end features pedestrian plazas and grand staircases adorned with Art Moderne motifs and 280-foot-tall Gothic‑arch towers with curved sway bracing. With its dramatic steel arches and a soaring profile, it was McCullough’s crowning achievement—one that still commands awe from travelers and engineers alike.
Bridges as Part of the Journey
One of McCullough’s lasting achievements is the way his bridges shape the experience of the drive. They don’t interrupt the scenery—they’re part of it. As you cross them, you get a sense of movement and continuity. There’s something almost theatrical about the sequence: low marshlands, rising steel, a wide view of the water, then back into the trees.
That sense of rhythm wasn’t accidental. McCullough understood how people would experience the coast from the road. He designed with that in mind. Even now, nearly a century later, his bridges help tell the story of the land.
A Legacy Worth Noticing
Many of McCullough’s bridges are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Some have undergone careful restoration, while others have interpretive signs or viewpoints nearby.
You don’t need a formal tour to appreciate them. Just slowing down to walk across a span, look at the shadows, and notice the curve of a support is enough to understand the care that went into the work.
The next time you travel Highway 101, take a moment at one of these bridges. Step out of the car if you can. Look around, look up, and notice how the structure fits into the land and light. These aren’t just crossings—they’re part of what makes the Oregon Coast feel whole.
