Quincy Rail Bridge

The Quincy Rail Bridge is a railway crossing with a vertical-lift mechanism spanning the Mississippi River between Illinois and Missouri. The structure uses steel truss construction and operates a movable center span that raises vertically to allow river traffic to pass underneath.

The original bridge was built in 1868 and was replaced in 1899 as locomotive weights increased beyond what the first structure could safely handle. This replacement marked the shift to more robust engineering that could support heavier trains.

The bridge served as a vital passage for rail commerce connecting communities on opposite riverbanks for over a century. Its vertical-lift design represents how engineers solved the challenge of balancing two different transportation needs in one structure.

Views of the bridge are best from the riverbank or nearby overlooks, as the structure crosses open water and is not accessible on foot. Visiting during daylight hours provides the clearest sight of the steel framework and any passing train traffic.

The bridge operates its vertical-lift mechanism regularly to allow river traffic to pass, and observers can watch this mechanical process from the shoreline when barges and boats approach. This visible engineering feat was a marvel for people of that era.

Location: Illinois

Location: Missouri

GPS coordinates: 39.94170,-91.43080

Latest update: December 14, 2025 15:01