Northern Pacific Bridge Number 9

Northern Pacific Bridge Number 9 is a steel truss railway bridge that spans the Mississippi River with dedicated lanes for trains, bicycles, and pedestrians. The structure links the west and east banks and functions as a shared transportation corridor for multiple modes of travel.

The bridge opened in 1924 to replace an earlier Northern Pacific crossing built in 1885 that had served the university area. The new structure was needed to handle growing traffic demands between the riverbanks.

The structure connects the Seven Corners neighborhood to the University of Minnesota campus, forming a central passage for students and faculty members.

The bridge provides marked paths for pedestrians and cyclists with direct access to riverside parkway trails on both sides. Visitors can easily reach it from surrounding paths and explore the adjacent green spaces.

The bridge contains steam pipes running beneath its deck that deliver heating to the University of Minnesota's West Bank Campus. This integrated utility system works quietly beneath the structure and often goes unnoticed by visitors.

Location: Minneapolis

Official opening: 1924

GPS coordinates: 44.97750,-93.24110

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:01