Harry S. Truman Bridge

The Harry S. Truman Bridge is a railway crossing that spans the Missouri River between Jackson County and Clay County. It uses a truss structure with movable parts to allow train traffic to pass through.

The structure was built in 1945 and played a key role in supporting wartime production when steel resources were scarce. It became an important infrastructure project during a critical period in American history.

The bridge carries the name of the 33rd US President, Harry S. Truman, who was from Jackson County. His name connects local heritage with this vital transportation link for the region.

The bridge carries freight trains daily, so visitors should observe it from nearby viewing points rather than attempting to access it directly. The best views of the structure are from the riverbanks in the area.

The structure uses a rare polygonal Warren truss design where steel is connected through rivets, giving it a distinctive appearance. This connection method was common when it was built but is rarely used in modern construction.

Location: Missouri

GPS coordinates: 39.14470,-94.48470

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:08