Introduction
The Mississippi River is the second longest river in the United States, stretching nearly 2,350 miles from its origin in Minnesota to its end in Louisiana. It has been a critical part of transportation and trade in the country since its discovery in 1519. Bridges span the river in various places to serve as a quick and convenient means of transportation. Knowing how many of these bridges have been constructed across the different states can help provide insight on the importance of the Mississippi River and its use in everyday life.
Background Information
The Mississippi River garnered a lot of attention in the 1800s from traders and entrepreneurs. Planters in the region got heavily engaged with transportation of goods through the river and were often backed by investors looking to make a return. This began to establish the river as the main transportation line for the Southern economy, providing opportunity for trade between states and cohesive connection for the transportation of goods.
Data
As of 2020, the Mississippi River has approximately 139 bridges that cross it, from Minnesota to Louisiana. The most bridges in a single state across the river is found in Illinois, with 39. Minnesota has 28 bridges, Wisconsin has 16, Missouri has 4, Arkansas has 23 and Tennessee has 9. The remaining 20 bridges belong to Louisiana.
Analysis
The majority of these bridges afford travelers the opportunity to easily cross the river in a safe and timely manner. Many of the bridges, including the historic Chain of Rocks Bridge, the Sherman Minton Bridge, the Crescent City Connection and the Memphis & Arkansas Bridge are highly appreciated landmarks. Some are even recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.
Importance of Bridges
The importance of bridges crossing the Mississippi River to today’s population is immense. They provide a connecting route between states, giving people the opportunity to travel easily from one place to another. Without these bridges in place, people would need to drive for miles or take an alternate means of transportation, such as boats. This would be especially difficult for those traveling for long distances and for those who are short on time.
The Fort Pitt Bridge Model
The Fort Pitt Bridge model serves as an example for many of the bridges crossing the Mississippi River. This is a model that came into vogue in the 1990s and is now used in many modern bridges. It consists of two deck trusses connected by steel beams and cables, creating a network that is saucer-shaped in profile. This model allows for flexibility and strength, making it more resistant to wind and seismic forces.
Safety and Regulations
The government also has put in place a set of rules governing the safety and construction of these bridges. All bridges must be designed to meet the requirements of the Federal Highway Administration and must be visually inspected by certified inspectors on a routine basis. Additionally, inspections are made regularly to ensure the bridge meets the standards of the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS).
State Budgets
Bridges over the Mississippi River are incredibly expensive to construct, with some costing up to millions of dollars to build. This places a heavy burden on state and federal government budgets, as the costs of construction and maintenance must be funded from somewhere. To avoid this burden, states often opt to repair existing bridges and limit the number of new bridges going up over the Mississippi River.
The Mississippi River Commission
One of the most important agencies responsible for the oversight of bridges across the Mississippi River is the Mississippi River Commission (MRC). This organization is charged with the responsibility of maintaining the navigability of the river and providing support for the regions it passes through economically. They are also tasked with providing help to individuals affected by floods, performing studies, and advancing civil works in the basin.
Conclusion
In conclusion, bridges across the Mississippi River are a fundamental part of the transportation system in the United States, helping people reach their destinations quickly and safely. Knowing how many bridges are found in the different states can give us an idea of how much the river is used for transportation. On top of that, the safety and construction regulations of the river’s bridges must be taken into account, as well as the costs that come with such projects. Those issues are looked after by the Mississippi River Commission, which provides great economic and navigability benefits to the states.
