Hastings Rail Bridge

Hastings Rail Bridge is a railway crossing over the Mississippi River that uses a vertical-lift mechanism to allow both trains and river boats to pass through the same corridor. The structure carries trains across the water while the lifting system opens to let vessels navigate downstream.

The bridge opened in 1981 to handle growing railway needs in the region. It was designed as part of infrastructure that needed to balance train traffic with ongoing river commerce.

The bridge represents one of four lift spans along the Mississippi River, connecting communities and supporting both freight and passenger transportation networks.

The best viewpoints are from the riverbanks and walkways near the bridge structure, where you can observe the mechanism and watch trains cross. Visit during daylight to see the lifting system in action and get clear views of the river traffic below.

Located near the confluence of the Mississippi and Saint Croix Rivers, this single-track bridge operates alongside the Prescott BNSF lift bridge system.

Location: Hastings

Inception: 1981

Official opening: 1981

GPS coordinates: 44.74670,-92.84780

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:20