Ray Nitschke Memorial Bridge, Bascule bridge in Green Bay, US
The Ray Nitschke Memorial Bridge is a bascule bridge crossing the Fox River and connecting Main Street to US Highway 141 in downtown Green Bay. It has two movable leaves that lift upward to allow river traffic to pass underneath, while accommodating cars and pedestrians on the deck above.
This structure was built to replace an older Main Street Bridge from 1923 that required modernization. It opened in October 1998 as part of Green Bay's effort to improve its transportation infrastructure during that period.
The bridge takes its name from Ray Nitschke, a linebacker for the Green Bay Packers, reflecting how deeply the city's identity is tied to American football. This connection becomes tangible when you walk across and notice how locals view the structure as part of their sporting heritage.
Traffic can be busy for both cars and pedestrians, especially during peak hours, so allow extra time when crossing. If river traffic is passing, the bridge leaves may lift suddenly, so stay alert and maintain distance from the edges if you happen to be on the bridge during an opening.
A cargo ship named the M.V. Kaye E. Barker struck the bridge's protective barrier system in 2017, causing nearby damage but proving the barrier's effectiveness. This collision highlighted how the protective system works to shield the main structure from large river traffic.
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