One day Peters found a dead squirrel with a nut still in its mouth, and that day’s coffee break discussion turned into squirrel safety. The group of businessmen cooked up the squirrel bridge idea and formed a committee to ask the City Council’s blessing. The Council approved, and Councilwoman Bess LaRiviere jokingly dubbed the bridge Nutty Narrows.
The name stuck!
After architects Robert Newhall and LeRoy Dahl designed the bridge, Donald Kramer completed structural engineering, and Amos Peters and Bill Hutch started construction. They built the 60-foot bridge from aluminum and lengths of fire hose. It cost $1,000.
Nutty Narrows Gains Popularity
It didn’t take long before reports of squirrels using the bridge started. Squirrels were even seen escorting their young and teaching them the ropes. The story was picked up by the Associated Press, and Nutty Narrows became known in newspapers all over the world. Animal lovers in London, Minnesota and California sent newspaper clippings, fan mail and bags of nuts to Peters. One man wrote, Little men take time to cater to big people who might do them good. Only big men pause to aid little creatures.
In 1983, after 20 years of use, Peters took down the worn-out bridge. Repairs were made and crosspieces were replaced. The faded sign was repainted and in July 1983, furry guests from Disneyland (Chip and Dale and Mickey Mouse), local dignitaries, and 300 children rededicated the bridge.
Peters died in 1984, and a ten-foot wooden squirrel sculpture was placed near the bridge in memory of its builder and his dedication to the project.
Squirrel Bridges Today
The Original Nutty Narrows bridge currently resides on Olympia Way, between 18th Avenue and Maple St.
In addition to the Nutty Narrows squirrel bridge, 4 additional bridges have since been built, the most recent bridge was installed in May of 2015. As of 2023 Longview has 10 squirrel bridges. The Squirrel Fest website has an interactive Squirrel Bridge map with all 8 of their locations.
- Bruce Kamp Squirrel Bridge
Built in 2011, it was designed with copper and is the first squirrel bridge to utilize a webcam. Located on the 1300 block of West Kessler Boulevard - John Dick Squirrel Bridge
Inspired by the famous Leonard Zakim bridge. Built in 2012, and located at 2900 Nichols Boulevard - OBEC Bridge
Built in 2014, located at Louisiana and 23rd Avenue, this bridge has a redwood frame and metal roofing and was made to look like a scale model of a bridge fit for people. - Safety Awareness Bridge
The fifth bridge is located on the 1700 block of Kessler Boulevard. The bridge, built by the Longview-Kelso Bits and Bots robotic team features an industrial look and is made of gleaming steel. It includes colored glass panels of a walker, bicyclist and runner. - R.D. Olson MFG. Squirrel Bridge
This bridge was built by R.D. Olson MFG of Kelso Washington and was designed to resemble the Lewis and Clark Bridge crossing the Columbia River. It was installed on Kessler Boulevard across from the Lion's Island. - Exact scale replica of Portland's Fremont Bridge
This all-aluminum bridge was constructed by H&N Sheet Metal in Kelso. It is the longest bridge to date at 20 feet and is located on Kessler Boulevard at the end of Lake Sacajawea. - S & R Squirrel Bridge
A safe street crossing for all those young squirrels heading to Kessler Elementary School. - PUD Squirrel Bridge
San Francisco has its cable cars. Seattle has its Space Needle. And, Longview has its squirrel bridge. The bridge, across Olympia Way near Civic Center circle, has attracted international attention and is now a local landmark.