Mississippi River Bridge, Cantilever and tied-arch bridge in La Crosse, United States.
The Mississippi River Bridge comprises two distinct structural sections spanning the river between La Crosse and Minnesota. A cantilever section at Cass Street and a tied-arch section at Cameron Avenue form the complete crossing.
The Cass Street section opened in 1939, replacing an earlier swing bridge that once served the crossing. Decades later, the Cameron Avenue section was added in 2004 to provide additional capacity.
Known locally as the Big Blue Bridges, the structure serves as a vital crossing linking Wisconsin and Minnesota communities. Residents and visitors recognize it as a central landmark that shapes the character of the area.
The bridge carries four lanes of traffic on major US and state highways connecting both sides of the river. The structure allows adequate clearance for river navigation while accommodating heavy traffic flow.
The original concrete surface of the Cass Street section was replaced with metal decking in 1983 to extend its lifespan. This renovation allowed the older bridge to continue operating alongside the newer crossing without requiring replacement.
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