Amelia Earhart Bridge

Amelia Earhart Bridge is a steel bridge that crosses the Missouri River and connects Atchison County, Kansas to Buchanan County, Missouri. The structure uses a tied arch design to carry four lanes of traffic on U.S. Route 59 and features LED lighting for night travel.

An earlier bridge built in 1938 served the region during the New Deal period before being replaced in December 2012 with a new structure. The replacement was designed to meet modern traffic demands and improve the crossing between the two states.

The bridge honors Atchison's native aviator Amelia Earhart, whose pioneering spirit shaped the town's identity. This naming reflects how the community keeps her legacy visible in everyday spaces where residents cross daily.

The bridge is open to traffic year-round and regularly maintained for safe conditions. Visitors should be aware that winter weather and river flooding can occasionally affect passage, so it is best to check local conditions before crossing during storms or high-water periods.

Construction faced delays when the Missouri River flooded in 2011, requiring engineers to develop special adaptations for assembling the arch structure on site. This flood-related challenge became part of the bridge's engineering story and influenced how the final structure was built.

Location: Atchison County

Location: Buchanan County

Inception: December 2012

Official opening: December 2012

Made from material: steel

GPS coordinates: 39.55939,-95.11324

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:49