Meridian Highway Bridge
US-81 Missouri River Highway Crossing
Yankton, SD
| • 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.
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Photo and text by John A. Weeks III, Copyright © 2008, all rights reserved.
For further information, contact:
john@johnweeks.com