Overview
The Mississippi River is one of the longest rivers in the world, stretching from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, and it is home to numerous bridges constructed throughout its course. But just how many highway bridges span the Mississippi? There are plenty – around 100 highway crossings, 11 of which are toll bridges. This article aims to examine the history of these bridges as well as their purpose in more detail.
History and Construction of Mississippi River Bridges
The Mississippi River has historically been a major barrier to water-based transportation. As a result, numerous cities have been established along its banks, leading to increased travel needs between the two sides of the river. This need has sparked the construction of numerous highway bridges, several of which have become iconic structures associated with the river, such as the Eads Bridge in St. Louis, Missouri, and the Grenada Bridge in Mississippi.
The construction of Mississippi River bridges began in the late 19th century, with the opening of the first bridge over the river being the Eads Bridge. This was followed by the opening of the Rush Island Bridge in Arkansas in 1895, and the Helena Bridge in Arkansas in 1897. Since then, more than 100 of these crossings have been built, ranging from suspension bridges to cable-stayed bridges, and even some pontoon bridges.
The construction of these crossings is a complex undertaking, and it often involves the use of numerous technologies and techniques. For example, the Eads Bridge is a combination of a cantilever bridge and a truss bridge, while the Rush Island Bridge utilizes a combination of trusses and cables. In addition, many of these bridges feature prefabricated components and specialized construction techniques, such as the use of reinforcing bars and post-tensioning to provide added strength and rigidity.
Purpose of Mississippi River Bridges
The purpose of the Mississippi River bridges is two-fold – to provide for the safe transportation of both vehicles and pedestrians, as well as to connect nearby cities and towns. These bridges serve as vital links between the North and the South, providing refueling and maintenance facilities for truckers, and providing relief to travelers and commuters who would otherwise have to cross the river via a ferry.
In addition to creating a viable route between the two sides of the river, the bridges over the Mississippi also provide valuable services to the local economy. These include fishing, recreation, and tourism opportunities, as well as the ability to transport goods and services to and from nearby towns and cities.
The bridges over the Mississippi also provide an important source of income for the nearby communities and businesses. Tolls from the bridges provide an important source of revenue for these economic entities, allowing them to reinvest in the community, as well as to provide essential services and infrastructure improvements.
Environmental Impact of Mississippi River Bridges
The construction and maintenance of the Mississippi River bridges can have a significant environmental impact on the surrounding areas. For example, the dredging of the river can result in significant changes to the river’s ecology, including the displacement of fish and other wildlife, as well as changes in water flow patterns and sediment erosion.
In addition, many of the bridges have been constructed using outdated building techniques and materials, resulting in potentially hazardous and outdated structures. The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is currently working to replace many of the old bridges over the Mississippi with newer, safer designs.
The Mississippi River bridges also represent a potential hazard to wildlife, with some species of birds, such as great blue herons and bald eagles, frequently being injured or killed when they collide with the bridges. The MDOT is working to design bridges that are more bird-friendly, such as the recently completed I-20 bridge, which features a bird-safe design that reduces the chances of bird collisions.
Economic Benefits of Mississippi River Bridges
The construction and use of the Mississippi River bridges represent a tremendous economic boost for the local communities and businesses. The bridges facilitate the movement of goods and services across the river, and they provide a significant source of income for the local economies, as well as providing a reliable source of employment.
In addition, the bridges have contributed to the development of the tourist industry along the Mississippi River, by providing access to a wide range of recreational opportunities, such as fishing, camping, and boating. By improving access to these areas, the bridges have allowed the local communities to benefit from the influx of visitors and their spending.
The Mississippi River bridges also provide an important linkage between the North and South, allowing goods and services to move between the two regions, as well as providing employment opportunities for those living on either side of the river.
Impact on Local Communities
The impact of the Mississippi River bridges on the surrounding communities cannot be overstated. They have allowed numerous cities and towns located along the river to grow and prosper, due to increased access to transportation opportunities, job opportunities, and recreational activities.
The bridges have also facilitated the movement of goods and services between the two sides of the river, as well as provided a valuable source of income for these communities. Tolls collected from travellers crossing the Mississippi River bridges are an important source of revenue for nearby businesses and help to stimulate the local economy.
In addition, the bridges have provided access to recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, and hiking. The presence of these bridges has been credited with a noticeable increase in tourism on the Mississippi River, which has in turn resulted in increased business opportunities and jobs for those living in nearby communities.
Future of Mississippi River Bridges
The future of the Mississippi River bridges is currently in flux, with the ongoing construction of new bridges and the replacement of older structures. The latest bridge to be constructed is the 2nd Pearl River bridge in Natchez, Mississippi, which is expected to open in 2021.
In addition, the MDOT has announced plans to implement several much-needed improvements to the existing bridges, including the installation of modern safety features such as lane dividers, speed limit signs, and escape lanes. These improvements will help to improve the safety and efficiency of crossing the Mississippi River bridges.
The Mississippi River bridges will no doubt continue to play an important role in the lives of those living along the river, providing vital transportation links, economic opportunities, and recreation options. For now, there are over 100 bridges crossing the river, providing a safe and reliable route for those travelling to and from the Mississippi.
Policies and Regulations of Mississippi River Bridges
It is important to note that many Mississippi River bridges are subject to certain policies and regulations due to their location along a federally protected waterway. These regulations are designed to protect the state’s natural resources, as well as to ensure the safety of the travelling public.
One of the most important of these regulations is the requirement that any cars, trailers, or other vehicles travelling across a Mississippi River bridge must be rated according to their gross weight. This regulation is intended to ensure that bridge structures are not overloaded, as this can cause a bridge to collapse.
In addition, any cargo travelling across these bridges must not exceed a certain size or meet certain other criteria. Cargo that exceeds this size or fails to meet other criteria may be denied access to a bridge, and certain bridges may even require additional updates or modifications before they can be used.
Technology Used in Mississippi River Bridges
The construction and maintenance of Mississippi River bridges is aided by a number of modern technologies and tools, from GPS to sophisticated surveying and mapping tools. The use of these tools has resulted in a number of bridge designs that are more efficient and safer than earlier designs.
In addition, the use of modern materials and construction techniques has allowed for the construction of bridges that are more resistant to natural disasters, such as flooding, as well as providing bridges with a longer life-span and less maintenance requirements.
Finally, the development of new technologies and more sophisticated engineering techniques has allowed for the creation of structures that are stronger, lighter, and more resilient against weather-related damages. These bridges are a testament to modern engineering, and they are increasingly becoming a vital part of infrastructure along the Mississippi River.
