Fort Madison Toll Bridge

The Fort Madison Toll Bridge crosses the Mississippi River with two stacked decks: railway tracks on the lower level and vehicle lanes on the upper level. A rotating swing span in the center allows river traffic to pass through when needed.

The bridge opened in 1927, replacing an older single-track structure from 1887 that could no longer handle growing transportation needs. The new dual-level design solved the problem of accommodating both rail and vehicle traffic simultaneously.

The bridge takes its name from Fort Madison, a historic trading post established in the area centuries ago. Today it serves as a daily landmark that connects communities and shapes how people move between states.

Drivers pay a toll when traveling eastbound into Illinois, while pedestrians and cyclists can cross without charge. The bridge opens several times daily for river traffic, so check local schedules if you plan to cross during busy river seasons.

When it was completed, this held the record as the longest rotating swing span of its type across a major river in the country. The engineering solution was so innovative that it influenced similar bridge designs in other regions.

Location: Fort Madison

Location: Appanoose Township

Inception: July 26, 1927

Official opening: July 26, 1927

Length: 1,020 m

GPS coordinates: 40.62690,-91.29580

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:53