Wabasha–Nelson Bridge, Truss bridge between Wabasha, Minnesota and Nelson, Wisconsin, United States
The Wabasha-Nelson Bridge is a steel truss bridge that crosses the Mississippi River between Minnesota and Wisconsin, featuring two traffic lanes for vehicles. The structure uses a combination of trusses and support columns to safely carry cars and trucks between the two states.
This bridge was completed in 1988 and replaced an earlier structure dating to 1931 that originally functioned as a private toll crossing. The earlier crossing served regional traffic for many decades before modern replacement became necessary.
The bridge is named the Michael Duane Clickner Memorial Bridge, honoring a Wabasha resident who lost his life during the Vietnam War.
Visitors can cross this bridge during daytime hours, and it is wise to be cautious during winter months since the region experiences harsh seasonal weather. Checking vehicle condition beforehand helps avoid unexpected delays when snow or storms occur in the area.
The main truss component was floated downstream on barges and positioned onto the supports using controlled water levels to place it precisely. This innovative construction method allowed installation of the heavy span without extensive on-site welding and assembly work.
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