City Of Portland Names Bridge After ‘Ned Flanders’
The next time you’re in Portland, Oregon, be sure to visit “Ned Flanders Crossing.” The city has paid tribute to the irrepressibly cheerful character from “The Simpsons” by naming a bridge after him.
According to KATU-TV, Portland’s newest bike and pedestrian bridge is now officially known as “Ned Flanders Crossing.” It spans the I-405 freeway between Northwest Portland and the Pearl District.
Related: Virginia School Board Was Pranked Bart Simpson-Style
What inspired this fun idea? The bridge was originally called Flanders Crossing because it’s on Flanders Street. Also, “Simpsons” creator Matt Groening was born and raised in Portland, so this renaming makes sense on multiple levels.
A plaque on the earthquake-resilient bridge features an image of Ned Flanders along with his catch-phrase, “Hi-diddly-ho, neighborinos.” It will also include Matt Groening’s autograph. You can see photos HERE.
Perhaps naming a bridge after fictional Springfield’s friendliest neighbor will have an uplifting effect on the people who cross it in real-life Portland. The world could use more of Ned Flanders’ optimism.
