Dale Gardner Veterans Memorial Bridge

The Dale Gardner Veterans Memorial Bridge is a steel tied arch road bridge spanning the Mississippi River between Illinois and Iowa. The structure carries two lanes of US Route 52 and features a distinctive arched design at its center.

The bridge opened in 2017 as a replacement for an older crossing that had connected the two states for decades. This newer structure represents an important infrastructure modernization for the region.

The bridge carries the name of Dale Gardner, a Vietnam War Navy veteran who later became a NASA mission specialist astronaut. His name reflects the service of individuals who contributed to both military and space exploration efforts.

The bridge carries regular vehicle traffic and provides passage for drivers moving between the two states throughout the day. Pedestrians and cyclists should check in advance about the availability of walkways or separate paths before attempting to cross.

The steel components for the main span were manufactured at a facility in Wisconsin, showcasing regional manufacturing skill in infrastructure projects. This regional collaboration on large construction projects remains common in modern American bridge building.

GPS coordinates: 42.10407,-90.16150

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:41