Designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, the BP Pedestrian Bridge marries form and function. Known as the BP Bridge for short, the serpentine girder footbridge is located in Chicago, Illinois, United States, and provides incomparable views of Millennium Park, the Chicago skyline, Maggie Daley Park and Grant Park.

The bridge, which opened in July of 2004, spans Columbus Drive and connects Millennium Park with Maggie Daley Park on Lake Michigan, (both of which are considered to be parts of the larger Grant Park). Before it was built, the multi-lane thoroughfare had proved to be a significant physical barrier between the two spaces. Now, the BP Bridge provides not only a safe means to cross the street, but since it was designed with accessibility in mind, it also provides people with disabilities easy access to all areas of Grant Park.

The bridge is 20 feet (6.1 m) wide and 935 feet (285.0 m) long; the deck is covered with 2,000 Brazilian hardwood floor boards. Designed to bear a heavy load without structural problems caused by its own weight, the winding contours of the bridge are enhanced with shimmering brushed stainless steel shingles, which contribute to the snakelike appearance. The thick walls of the bridge help block noise from the traffic some 14.5 feet (4.4 m) below, thus allowing pedestrians a more peaceful commute.

It was named for the energy firm BP (formerly British Petroleum) which donated $5 million toward its construction.

More Info: en.m.wikipedia.org