History of Mississippi River Bridge
The Mississippi River Bridge is an iconic symbol of modern engineering situated in the scenic magnificence of America’s central Mississippi region. Stretching from Illinois to Missouri—just beneath the Gateway Arch—this imperial bridge has been connecting two states for almost a century, and is the longest bridge in the state of Missouri at 2.45 miles long. This provides historical and structural context for our exploration of the answer to the question, “How tall is the Mississippi River Bridge?”
The age-old tale of bridge-building began in 1929, when St. Louis planners announced their grand scheme to construct a bridge across the Mississippi. It would be an economic boon connecting the two states, providing trade and transportation opportunities never before witnessed. The engineering demands were daunting and the mechanical possibilities uncertain. Nonetheless, the Mississippi River Bridge, originally called The Bridge of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, was conceived, designed and built with the contributions of many experts, largely in the decade spanning 1925 to 1935.
The iconic Madison, Wisconsin-based engineering firm, Strauss Bascule and Drawbridge of the Hydraulic Steel Structures Company, was responsible for designing the intricate mechanical elements of navigation, operating systems and the bridge heights. By the time construction began, the bridge’s grandeur had taken shape and the height was distinctly determined to be 162 feet above the mean waters of the Mississippi.
Today, the bridge stands as a testament to the celebrated union of the two states and the intrepid engineering achievements of the 1930s. In modern times, the age-old question of “How tall is the Mississippi River Bridge?” has become a frequent request. And the answer is unequivocal – 162 feet.
Features of Mississippi River Bridge
The Mississippi River Bridge serves as a strong, double-decked steel cantilever arch bridge and the world’s first vertical lift bridge. It is the only bridge to offer four primary navigation spans – two on each side of the structure. With a bottom deck height of 42 feet and an impressive total length of 8,650 ft, the Mississippi River Bridge stands as one of the highest-rated urban vertical lifts in the United States.
The main spans are also noteworthy – they feature a 500-foot center-span section made of arch and cantilever systems, with added side spans and an impressive 976-foot steel truss center span. The bridge is painted bright blue for maximum visibility, offering a dramatic and aesthetic view for the 630,000 people who cross the bridge daily.
The structural and flexible design of the Mississippi River Bridge is remarkable. Its two primary decks provide two types of navigation services and a vertical lift system – both features keep the bridge operational for dynamic and sometimes challenging weather conditions. The bridge also features a modern steel arch design, with several cables suspended from the arch for added rigidity and stability.
In terms of engineering, the engineers were faced with two important challenges – building a bridge system that could withstand the powerful seismic activity that is common along the Delta region and constructing a structure that could endure the weight of the Mississippi River’s barges and boats. With its intricate structural design, the Mississippi River Bridge has withstood both seismic activity and daily heavy use with incredible durability and strength.
Maintenance of Mississippi River Bridge
The Mississippi River Bridge requires frequent and highly trained maintenance crews to ensure its longevity and continued safe navigation operations. The bridge is regularly monitored by cameras and complex navigation systems to alert the maintenance crews if any parts need additional care or replacement. Transportation officials also perform tests of the vertical lift system annually to ensure the bridge’s safe operation.
It is also important for the maintenance crews to check for any corrosion of the bridge’s steel. To prevent rust damage, each part of the bridge is treated with an anti-corrosion coating to ensure that the bridge will stand strong for generations to come. The bridge is also tested for strength, stability and beam fatigue on a regular basis.
The annual tall ship parades of the Mississippi are also a great time for maintenance crews to check the bridge’s mechanisms. Each boat needs to be carefully monitored and the bridge needs to lift or lower in order for the ships to pass. This provides a great opportunity for the maintenance crews to make sure the bridge operates at its optimal level of functionality.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River Bridge is one of the tallest bridge constructions in the country. Built in the 1930s, it stands 162 feet above the mean waters of the Mississippi and is the longest bridge in Missouri. It provides an iconic symbol of modern engineering, utilizing a two-deck system, four navigation spans, an arch and cantilever system and sophisticated navigation and risk-monitoring systems. Frequent and highly trained maintenance crews ensure the bridge’s longevity, health and safe navigation operations. As we inquire “How tall is the Mississippi River Bridge?” we can take pride in knowing that its answer stands at 162 feet.
Design of Mississippi River Bridge
The contemporary design of the Mississippi River Bridge – standing 162 feet above the waters – is one of its most impressive features. The structure consists of two decked levels, four primary navigation spans and several side-to-side spans.
The arch and cantilever systems provide the basis for a strong and efficient design. The top deck is designed as a steel truss system, with a 500-foot center-span and two side-spans. All bridges are designed to withstand heavy use, and the Mississippi River Bridge is no exception. It is designed to carry eight lanes of traffic, with a system of vertical lift mechanisms to raise and lower for marine vessels.
The bridge was also designed to survive the extreme weather conditions of the area, and to be structurally resilient despite repeated use over the years. The combination of strong steel, trusses, elevated towers and an arch and cantilever system make this a bridge that will stand the test of time. Additionally, the intricate design of the trusses, cantilevers and other support structures add additional strength and stability.
Future of Mississippi River Bridge
The engineering feats of the past have left a lasting legacy in the form of the Mississippi River Bridge. This timeless symbol will continue to impact its surrounding region – both visually and economically – for many years to come. The bridge is a goal both to commemorate and remember its roots as a symbol of union, mercy and maneuvering ingenuity, and to continue its work as a dependable and navigable gateway to other states and cultures.
The bridge is planning to undergo a series of updates and modernization projects to help make it a safe and efficient navigational structure for years to come. These updates range from modernization of the bridge’s safety features and the use of modern materials to improve the bridge’s durability and resilience. Additionally, the bridge is set to receive an upgraded traffic system, which will enhance its capacity, maintain traffic flow and prevent overcrowding.
The future of the Mississippi River Bridge is uncertain, but full of promise. Its iconic stature combined with extraordinary structural and navigational features offer a combination of history, pride and reliability. As The Bridge of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial stands tall in the centre of the Mighty Mississippi, this vision can be accomplished.
Benefits of Mississippi River Bridge
Since its inception and the completion of construction, the Mississippi River Bridge has provided immense benefits on both sides of the river. The bridge is an essential economic gateway for transportation and trade between both states, as well as to neighbouring states. The bridge has a huge economic impact for car transportation, but it also serves as a great resource for other businesses – such as local farmers, fishermen and tourists.
It provides an essential means for tourists to access the Gateway Arch and other surrounding attractions. Additionally, the bridge has become an iconic landmark – a symbol of engineering prowess and the natural beauty of the area. Because of its size and importance, the bridge has become popular for film and television shoots, providing job opportunities for people in the local community.
The bridge also serves as a vital safety measure during strong storms, removing the threat of dangerous flooding to the communities living nearby. The historical and modern significance of the Mississippi River Bridge make it an integral part of the United States’ transportation network and an enduring symbol of the Midwestern region’s resilience and innovation.
