Napier Bridge

Napier Bridge is one of Chennai’s most well known landmarks. Also called Iron Bridge, it was built in honor of Lord Napier who was the Governor of Fort St. George in the erstwhile Madras Presidency. Napier Bridge, which spans the infamous River Cooum, is one of the first structures to use RCC (reinforced cement concrete). It connects the beach with the Fort St George. Flanking the iron bridge built in 1869, a new bridge was built in 1999.

Napier Bridge was built in 1869 across the Cooum River by Lord Napier who was the Governor from1866 to 1877. Initially it was a narrow bridge with iron girders. In 1943, it was broadened and reinforced with concrete. The bridge is a testament to the engineering skills of the British.

Napier Bridge is a very old structure and an iconic landmark in Chennai. It has about 464 special bulbs and light fixtures, all energy efficient, installed along the arches, pedestrian pathways, road surface and underneath the bridge. At night, it looks lovely, giving the iconic structure an illusion of floating on the waters. The lighting has been utilized to highlight the bridge’s unique structure. The swathes of color that wash over the bridge make for a pretty sight giving the bridge a three-dimensional effect.