Ranking Four (4) Bridges The Connect Rockford’s Downtown

Welcome, bridge aficionados! Today, we're going to tackle the most pressing issue facing the city of Rockford, Illinois: which downtown bridge is the best? Now, I know what you're thinking: "who cares?" But trust me, this is serious business. And before you get all up in arms about my rankings, let me just say this: this is an opinion article in which zero (0) research has been done. Please appreciate accordingly. So, without further ado, let's get into the nitty-gritty of the four downtown bridges of Rockford.

Honorable Mention: Riverside Boulevard

This isn't technically a downtown bridge so it won't be included in the rankings but I had to mention this perpetually under construction bridge. This is the Rockford bridge I have traversed more than any in my lifetime. It served as a conduit to weekly trips to North Towne Mall, Hungry Hobo, and Hilander. It's a miracle I didn't die on this bridge riding my huffy to Tilt arcade. There were signs to walk your bike on this heavily sloped bridge but we did NOT heed their warnings. I'm pretty sure I hit 50 mph on my ten speed heading east down this bridge. With of course no helmet. It was a wild time.

via GIPHY

N/A Not Really A Bridge - The Pedestrian Bridge

I think this might have a name and could possibly be historic (see the no research disclaimer in the opening paragraph)? It technically goes over the bridge in downtown Rockford but just for people who happen to be walking down there. It also, if I remember correctly also goes nowhere. It's very pretty though and makes for some great pictures.

On to the real bridges:

#4 Jefferson Street Bridge

This one way bridge is probably the most useless of the four. For one, it's one-way so you better be heading west. It doesn't connect anything particularly special and it's tough to access from the east side of town. The painted pillars below are pretty, even when they're highlighted by dumpsters.

#3 Whitman Street Bridge

The furthest south of the four bridges, this two-way bridge conveniently gives the south side of downtown a direct route to the YMCA, Sinnisippi Gardens, and two of the town's Italian clubs. Mary's Place, Rockford's oldest bar (I think) is right there as well. Add in the fact that there are walking paths on both sides, makes Whitman a very serviceable bridge.

It is also objectively the ugliest of the four.

#2 Chestnut Street (Walnut Street?) Bridge

It's Chestnut to the west of the bridge but Walnut to the east. Is it half and half? Why did we change nuts when we crossed the water? All these questions could probably be answered with a little research, which as mentioned before will not take place for this article.

This bridge is a great little shortcut across the river if you don't want to deal with the chaos of State Street Bridge.

Which brings us to...

#1 State Street Bridge

Was it going to be anything else? It's a bridge so great Frank Sinatra wrote a song about it. It's where our festivals pour out to. It's where some of the best bars and restaurants in town can be found. Everyone in town has had a great time at least once on State Street in Rockford and that's why it nabbed the top spot in these power rankings.

I appreciate you making it to the end of this ridiculous piece of writing. Please click on anything else you see on the screen, it makes the people in suits happy.