Meridian Bridge

Normally bridges are financed by the state or government, but not this iconic landmark. Construction began back in 1915, but was halted due to World War I, and then picked back up in 1919 by the Yankton Chamber of Commerce. It was decided the government would take too long to build, so the bridge project was funded by local investors, business men and women, and the surrounding community. Costing $1.1 million in 1924, it would amount to a budget of over $16 million if assembled today. Built under the direction of Yankton local, Deloss B. Gurney, a prominent seed merchant, it is understandably reasonable why there is so much community support for what some would consider “just a bridge”.

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first in history

Completed in the Summer of 1924, the Meridian Bridge is the first permanent bridge crossing the Missouri River. It originally opened as a toll bridge to help pay off the bridge debt, and was installed with a lift mechanism that allowed river traffic to pass below. Carrying U.S. Route 81 across the Missouri River, this historic structure was one of the final links in the Meridian Highway, an early north-south route spanning from Winnipeg in Canada to Mexico City.

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a rare double deck design

Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993, the Meridian Bridge is a double deck bridge, one of only a few remaining in the United States. Trains would transport goods and supplies via the lower level, and vehicles would move across the upper level. Eventually, with the advancement of vehicles, the bridge was converted to one-way traffic in 1953, northbound on the top, southbound on the bottom.

for more reading

Find more information on the bridge’s history and its significance to South Dakota and Nebraska, via the National Park Service’s website (https://www.nps.gov/mnrr/learn/historyculture/meridianbridge.htm).

And read up on more Meridian Bridge stats via John Weeks’ Highways, Byways, and Bridge Photography. (https://www.johnweeks.com/river_missouri/pages/nesd_mo_02.html)

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bike, walk, skateboard and jog across

Closed in October 2008 to make way for the Discovery Bridge just a half mile to the West, it was reopened as a pedestrian bridge in November 2011. Spanning over 3,029 feet, the Meridian Bridge is the longest pedestrian bridge connecting two states, South Dakota and Nebraska.

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in the news

In expectation of the 2011 re-opening of the bridge, South Dakota Magazine (https://www.southdakotamagazine.com/walk-on-water-in-yankton) and the Sioux City Journal (https://siouxcityjournal.com/special-section/siouxland_life/pedestrians-waiting-to-set-foot-on-meridian-bridge/article_37bd3713-184e-542c-a1c0-b7e038631172.html) both wrote a feature highlighting this anticipated event.

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30 miles of trails, and endless possibilities

Preserving this piece of Midwest history ushered in the opportunity to build surrounding trails and parks. In fact, within the Yankton City limits are 10 miles of trails, and 20 more in the surrounding rural recreation areas.

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In 2015, the Meridian Bridge Plaza was added, home to the Yankton Riverwalk, which is a sculpture trail. Also included in the Plaza are a fountain and splash pad, and every Thursday evening throughout the summer months Music at the Meridian is featured here, bringing in musical artists to the area. The lower level can even be rented out for events!

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a picturesque landscape

Creating an impressive backdrop for Yankton postcards, graduation photos and engagement pictures, the Meridian Bridge has established itself as a must see when in South Dakota. A focal point that has helped reshape the image of this small town, bringing bridge enthusiasts and vacationers alike to appreciate South Dakotan history and Midwest pride.

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planning our return

When my husband and I plan our return in August we will be making a visit to downtown Yankton, and venturing across the Meridian Bridge. And as a final note, imagine my surprise when I found out there was a lower level to this bridge, and I didn’t even know about it until I started my research a week ago! Now I really have to go back.

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