Soo Line High Bridge

The Soo Line High Bridge is a steel arch bridge with five arches that spans the St. Croix River between two states, rising roughly 56 meters (184 feet) above the water surface. The structure was designed for train traffic and connects two distinct riverbanks with a sweeping, distinctive form.

Construction of this steel arch bridge began in 1910 and finished in 1911, replacing an earlier structure from 1884 that had created operational problems for train service. The new bridge was built to make the railway connection between the two states more reliable.

The bridge connects two states and serves as a landmark that residents and travelers recognize from afar, standing out in the landscape as a testament to engineering ambition from over a century ago.

The bridge is best viewed from nearby road bridges or observation points along the river, as it is used primarily for train traffic and not open to pedestrians. Daytime visits offer the clearest views of the steel structure and its distinctive form.

Engineer C.A.P. Turner developed specialized construction techniques to overcome the challenges of the remote building site, including innovative concrete methods. These solutions made it possible to build such a large structure at this difficult location in the first place.

Location: Somerset

Location: Stillwater

Inception: 1910s

Architects: C.A.P. Turner

Length: 817 m

GPS coordinates: 45.12306,-92.74417

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:01