Meridian Highway Bridge
US-81 Missouri River Highway Crossing
Yankton, SD

Meridian Highway Bridge

• Structure ID: NBI 000000068122210 (SD)
• Location: River Mile 806 (Approximate)
• River Elevation: 1,161 Feet
• Highway: US-81
• Daily Traffic Count: 6,490 (2006)
• Bridge Type: Two Level Steel Truss w/Lift Span
• Length: 2,886 Feet, 250 Foot Lift Span
• Width: 18 Feet, 1 Lanes Per Level
• Navigation Channel Width: Non-Navigable
• Height Above Water:
• Date Built: Opened October 11, 1924, Dedicated October 16, 1924
Lower level had rails installed, but never was used by trains. Went free in 1953. 250 foot lift span. In 1983, lift equipment was removed. Owned by city of Yankton, SD, but maintained by Nebraska. In 1953, lower deck was converted to traffic use, allowing one way traffic on each level. Will be saved as a pedestrian bridge. A musuem is planned to be built on top of the lift span. Glass on all 4 sides will allow for year around enjoyment of this magnificaent vantage point. Lengths = 3,029 total, 2,886 elevated, 1,668 span, 250 lift. First car to cross was on Oct 5, 1924. First offical car across crashed the gate to be first. Toll was 50 cents per car, 10 cents per passenger. last tool was Dec 1, 1953.

Meridian Highway Bridge

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Photo and text by John A. Weeks III, Copyright © 2008, all rights reserved.
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