Lester River Bridge
The Lester River Bridge is a reinforced concrete deck arch bridge crossing the river of the same name in Duluth. Its main span stretches over 103 feet (31 meters) and features a facade of local stone trimmed with Cold Spring granite.
Built in 1924 and 1925, the bridge supported growing settlement and tourism along Lake Superior's north shore. It was part of a larger project to construct Highway 1, which connected different parts of Duluth and the surrounding area.
The bridge takes its name from the river it crosses and serves as a familiar landmark for travelers heading toward Lake Superior. It marks a spot where visitors catch their first glimpses of the lake and feel connected to the area's past.
The crossing is integrated with the roadway and allows comfortable driving over the structure. Visitors can pull over nearby to view the stone details and arches up close and enjoy the views of the river and lake.
Zinc anodes are embedded inside the arch to protect the concrete from chemical corrosion and ensure the structure's longevity over decades. This hidden protection measure is an example of foresighted engineering from the 1920s.
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