Background Information
The Mississippi River is a major waterway in the United States of America stretching over 2,430 miles (3,912 kilometres) from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. Its tributaries span over a large portion of the Midwestern and Eastern United States, along with Southern Canada. It is without a doubt one of the most important waterways in North America, having been a major transportation route for over a century and ferrying some 500 million tons of cargo every year.
The term ‘bridges over the Mississippi River’ actually has a few meanings, depending on how it is used. Generally, it could mean bridges along highways and roads or railroads over the Mississippi River. This article will be focusing on the latter.
The Statistics
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are a total of 199 bridges that span the width of the Mississippi River. These include bridges over the main stem of the Mississippi as well as its countless tributaries within the US.
Of these 199 bridges, six of them are officially considered to be interstate bridges. Interstate bridges fall into the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration and are monitored and regulated by each individual state’s Department of Transportation. As of the 2020 census, the six Interstate bridges over the Mississippi River are located in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri.
The remaining 193 bridges are part of various state and county networks, managed and maintained by their respective government and transportation agencies.
The Construction Process
When it comes to constructing a bridge over the Mississippi River, there are many factors that have to be taken into consideration first. Construction is no small undertaking, with both design and functionality playing a large role. The complexity of the task means that construction can take anywhere from two to three decades to complete, depending on the chosen design.
Most bridges over the Mississippi River are designed to be arch-based, with cantilever bridges being the preferred design option due to their longer lifespan and increased durability. Cantilever bridges require a more complex design process due to their intricate nature, but they usually offer superior support and stability when compared to traditional bridges.
When it comes to the materials used in the construction process, the most common are steel and concrete cores with steel beams. The most important factor when it comes to bridge construction is the foundation. A strong, stable foundation is vital in order to ensure the bridge’s longevity.
To help ensure the stability of these bridges, government agencies have come up with various regulations in order to ensure that the bridges are built to the highest standards. The regulations include the capacity of the bridge, materials used, safety precautions taken during construction and the weight capacity. In order for a bridge over the Mississippi River to be approved for construction, it must be able to meet all of these regulations.
Impact Of Bridges Over The Mississippi River
The Mississippi River plays a vital role in the economy of the United States. Bridges over the river can effectively reduce travel time and provide safe transportation to both people and goods. It can also help reduce the environmental impact of travel by reducing the amount of fuel used due to the shorter distances.
Bridges have been an integral part of the Mississippi River’s history, too. River crossings have been crucial for the region’s inhabitants since the earliest times and remain so to this day.
As the region’s infrastructure is given increased attention, so too is the importance of bridges over the Mississippi River. The increase in federal and state funding for the improvement of bridges over the river has spurred the development of more resilient bridges that are capable of handling heavy traffic and providing efficient transportation access across the vast network of highways which span the river.
Environmental Impacts
The construction of bridges over the Mississippi river can have an adverse impact on the river ecology, particularly the fish population. The bridge construction process has been known to disrupt the habitats of various species, hindering their ability to pursue their migratory patterns. The bridges have also been known to cause collisions between large vessels and smaller watercraft, resulting in devastating pollution and environmental damage.
Furthermore, it is important to note that bridges can be a major source of water pollution. The many pollutants released by the transportation of vehicles, such as fuel and oil, run off directly into the river, further compounding the environmental impact of building bridges.
The Future Of Bridges Over The Mississippi River
The future of bridges over the Mississippi River is a bright one, with both public and private initiatives striving to improve the existing bridge network. The current infrastructure is being enhanced with new bridges joining the network and efforts are also being made to ensure that the existing bridges are built to last. This includes the use of new construction techniques as well as advances in materials engineering that are helping increase the lifespan of the bridges.
Moreover, safety is also becoming a priority when it comes to the bridge network. Technological advancements in bridge monitoring and vehicle detection are helping to ensure that drivers are given the information they need to make informed decisions when travelling over the Mississippi River.
As for the environmental concerns, various steps are being taken to reduce the impact of construction on the river ecology. These include the implementation of regulations against pollution, better management of navigational channels and a greater focus on responsible construction practices.
History
The history of bridges over the Mississippi River is one that dates back centuries. The first bridge over the Mississippi River was built in the 1840s in Hannibal, Missouri, with the earliest recorded bridge dating back to 1854 in St. Louis. However, it was not until the mid-20th century that the construction of such bridges gained momentum, with a massive wave of bridge construction taking place in the 1950s and 1960s.
Since then, bridges over the Mississippi River have become an integral part of the landscape, serving millions of travellers each year. These bridges have become a symbol of progress and connectivity, making it easier for people to access and explore the unique beauty of the Mississippi River.
Notable Bridges
The most famous bridge over the Mississippi River is certainly the world famous Gateway Arch, situated in St. Louis, Missouri. Built in the 1960s, the Gateway Arch spans the width of the river and stands as a symbol of the city’s history and culture.
The Raymond P. Sullivan Bridge in Minneapolis, Minnesota is another iconic bridge that spans the Mississippi. Known for its ‘S’ shaped arch, the bridge is considered to be the longest cable-stayed bridge over the river and is a must-see for visitors to the city.
The iconic I-90 bridge in La Crosse, Wisconsin is another remarkable bridge over the Mississippi River. With its white and silver suspension deck, the bridge is a sight to behold and is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful bridges in America.
Conclusion
From humble beginnings, to iconic landmarks, bridges over the Mississippi River have connected the region in more ways than one. By combining both the practical and the aesthetical elements of engineering, the bridges over the Mississippi River are not only a feat of engineering, but also a testament to the spirit of progress and innovation. While the building of these bridges has had its fair share of environmental impacts, the benefits they have brought to the region and the nation have outweighed the drawbacks. As the region continues to rely on the bridges as important transportation links, the bridges over the Mississippi River will continue to play an important role in the history of the United States.
