Interstate Highway Bridge

The Interstate Highway Bridge is a vertical-lift road bridge that crosses the Snake River, connecting Lewiston, Idaho with Clarkston, Washington. The metal structure painted in blue features a movable section that can be raised to allow river vessels to pass underneath.

The bridge was completed in 1939 to meet the growing need for reliable transportation between Idaho and Washington during the early twentieth century. Its construction addressed the economic necessity of establishing a stable link between the two states.

The bridge serves as a daily crossing point where residents and travelers from Idaho and Washington meet and interact during their journeys. It represents a practical link between two communities whose local economies and social connections depend on regular movement across the river.

The bridge's movable lift mechanism allows river traffic to pass while maintaining regular vehicle flow between the two states. Visitors driving across should be aware that occasional vessel passages may cause brief interruptions to road traffic.

The Library of Congress maintains an extensive photographic collection documenting the bridge within the landscape of the Snake River valley. This archive provides a historical visual record of the structure and its surroundings across multiple decades.

Location: Nez Perce County

Location: Asotin County

GPS coordinates: 46.42042,-117.03588

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:06