Arroyo Grande in San Luis Obispo County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Arroyo Grande Swinging Bridge

Photographed by Craig Baker

1. Arroyo Grande Swinging Bridge Marker

Inscription.
To connect his properties, Newton Short built this swinging bridge without sides about 1875. Sides were added after 1902.
The bridge was given to the city of Arroyo Grande on July 14, 1911, the date of incorporation. It is a mark of pride to the city.
Due to severe storm damage, the bridge was rebuilt in 1995.

Erected 1995 by Rotary Club of Arroyo Grande.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Rotary International series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1875.

Location. 35° 7.399′ N, 120° 34.629′ W. Marker is in Arroyo Grande, California, in San Luis Obispo County. It can be reached from the intersection of Branch Street and Short Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 E Branch St, Arroyo Grande CA 93420, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Central Coast

and specifically on the Coast Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Pacific Coast Railway Right-Of-Way / A Terrible Tragedy (approx. 0.2 miles away); Oceano Depot (approx. 2.7 miles away); Southern Pacific Railroad Depot (approx. 2.7 miles away); Oceano Honor Roll

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(approx. 2.7 miles away); Dr. Rudolf W. Gerber Memorial Park (approx. 2.7 miles away); Pismo Beach Pier Plaza (approx. 3.9 miles away); History of Pismo Clams in California (approx. 3.9 miles away); The History of Pismo Beach Wharf and Pier (approx. 4 miles away).

Regarding Arroyo Grande Swinging Bridge.
Swinging Bridge Facts:
• Constructed in early 1875 by the Short family, whose land was divided by the Arroyo Grande Creek.
• The Bridge is municipally owned and maintained by the City.
• One of a kind in California; Length: 171 ft.; suspended 40 ft. above creek.
• 1912 - Bridge declared a nuisance due to safety concerns.
• 1913, 1918, 1947, 1953 & 1985 - Repairs made by the City.
• 1933 - "Cross at your own risk" notices posted.
• 1993 - Bridge vandalized.
• 1995 - Tree fell on bridge; bridge closed; Mar. 9 - PG&E removed damaged bridge; and in May - with strong community
support the Swinging Bridge was completely restored.
• 2016 - Evaluation revealed deficiencies in the bridge's foundation; load restricted to no more than five people.
• 2022 - Federal Funds secured for a complete restoration of the Swinging Bridge.
• 2024 - Restoration completed; load restriction removed.
•

Swinging Bridge and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker

2. Swinging Bridge and Marker

On September 13, 2024 - Ribbon Cutting Ceremony; Bridge Officially Reopened.

Additional commentary.
1. Reduced Swinging
When I walked across the bridge in the 1960s, it would swing so much it was difficult to stand up. Years later, the bridge had horizontal cables attached to each side to reduce swinging. This was probably done to improve safety, and durability.

— Submitted May 28, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.

Arroyo Grande Swinging Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker

3. Arroyo Grande Swinging Bridge

Credits. This page was last revised on June 27, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 22, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 582 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 22, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.