The Mississippi River is a well-known and important body of water throughout the United States and beyond. Spanning some 2,340 miles, it is envisioned as the center of the nation’s economy, culture and ecology. Stretching from its source in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, it is also home to hundreds of bridges, including dozens of drawbridges. So what are the drawbridges on the Mississippi River, and how many of them are there?
Drawbridges over the Mississippi have existed since the late 1800s. In the early days, they allowed for the passage of barges and steamboats carrying freight and passengers. More recently, drawbridges are used for the same purpose plus for modern-day recreation vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and ATVs. Drawbridges are typically high enough to allow for larger boats carrying heavier loads to pass underneath.
The exact number of drawbridges on the Mississippi difficult to determine. However, twelve drawbridges span the river from its headwaters in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana. Theseare located in the following states: Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, and Mississippi.
Drawbridges on the Mississippi have helped people and goods to flow in and out of the states they cross. Their importance to the culture and economy of the river cannot be overstated. In fact, there has been considerable debate over which drawbridges should be preserved, and which should be replaced with modern highway bridges.
Yet drawbridges on the Mississippi River have a more practical importance. Simply put, they can reduce travel time. This is especially important when traffic is especially congested, such as during rush hour or holiday periods. In addition, the drawbridges are designed in such a way that they can be opened and closed quickly. This allows for ships to pass quickly and unimpeded, which is beneficial to traffic on both sides of the river.
The importance of drawbridges on the Mississippi River is further highlighted by recent events. In May of last year, a drawbridge malfunctioned in St. Louis, causing two barges to become temporarily stranded and dislodging part of the bridge itself. Although the bridge was repaired, the incident serves as a reminder of the drawbridges’ importance to the river and its economy.
Safety of the Drawbridges
The safety of drawbridges on the Mississippi is incredibly important. The bridges are often heavily trafficked by large, and heavy, ships. Consequently, they must be regularly inspected, maintained and upgraded as needed. In addition, many of the bridges feature modern navigation systems, including Automatic Identification System (AIS) technology, which can alert sailors of approaching ships and danger.
Another feature often found on the drawbridges is sound navigation and ranging equipment. These systems measure the length of the ship and can alert bridge operators, who can then open and close the drawbridge accordingly. This feature is especially important in the event of an emergency.
Ultimately, the drawbridges on the Mississippi River are incredibly important to the livelihood of the region. Therefore, it is essential that they are regularly inspected, maintained, and upgraded. This will help ensure that they remain safe and unobstructed for both recreational and commercial traffic on the Mississippi River.
Environmental Impact of the Drawbridges
The drawbridges on the Mississippi River also have an impact on the environment. This is particularly true when the bridge is suddenly opened to allow for ships to pass. The sudden release of water can disturb aquatic life, as well as create temporary whirlpools and eddies. These can be hazardous to both people and animals.
Furthermore, when the bridge is raised or lowered, it can cause air turbulence in the vicinity. This turbulence can cause noise pollution and is a disturbance to wildlife. To combat this, some of the bridges are equipped with dampers, which work to reduce the noise from the drawbridge operations.
The drawbridges on the Mississippi also create unnatural flows and directional changes in the river. This can cause a ripple effect in the surrounding ecosystems, disrupting the natural flow of the water, affecting the environment.
In order to lessen the environmental impact, many of the drawbridges on the Mississippi have been designed to minimize their impact on the environment. This includes the use of open-mesh grates, which allow water to flow freely under the bridge. In addition, many of the drawbridges have also been equipped with environmental alarms, which are activated when a ship enters the area and notify people living in the immediate vicinity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, drawbridges on the Mississippi River are critical to the economy, culture and ecology of the region. From providing a safe passage for vessels to allowing for faster travel during congested periods, they play a vital role in the day-to-day life of many communities. In addition, their maintenance and upgrade is essential to ensure their safety and continued performance. Finally, they have an environmental impact which must be monitored and mitigated.
