Richard I. Bong Memorial Bridge

The Richard I. Bong Memorial Bridge is a road bridge that crosses the Saint Louis River, linking Superior, Wisconsin with Duluth, Minnesota. The structure features four traffic lanes and was built as a steel arch bridge with a suspended deck.

The bridge was built between 1979 and 1984, replacing the earlier wooden Arrowhead Bridge that previously connected these two cities. The new construction was needed to handle growing traffic demands.

The bridge carries the name of a World War II fighter pilot whose legacy remains known in the region, connecting his memory to the daily crossings of thousands of travelers. This naming reflects how the community chose to honor military service through infrastructure.

The crossing is well-maintained for vehicles of all sizes, and the wide navigation channel below allows large ships to pass through. Visitors can enjoy the view of the river and both shorelines from above, especially on clear days.

The steel used for the arch sections came from Japan, revealing how international materials became part of this American infrastructure project. This choice reflected practical and economic considerations of the construction period.