Fairview Lift Bridge

Fairview Lift Bridge is a railway crossing over the Yellowstone River in North Dakota featuring a central section that can be raised. The structure combines multiple steel-truss spans designed to handle both train loads and tall river traffic.

Construction began in 1913 by a major American steel company specializing in railroad bridges at that time. The facility was equipped with a lift mechanism from the start to allow steamboats to navigate the river below.

The structure served as a vital crossing for rail traffic connecting communities in the Northern Plains. Its presence shaped how people and goods moved through this remote part of the region.

The bridge is now open as a walking path free to access, offering views of the river from above. Visitors should be prepared for older construction surfaces and can verify accessible entry points beforehand if mobility support is needed.

The lift mechanism operates through an intricate system of counterweights and cables powered by an unusual engine type rarely seen today. This mechanical approach to raising the span reveals how engineers solved the problem of combining rail traffic with river navigation before modern hydraulics became standard.

Location: North Dakota

GPS coordinates: 47.92889,-103.96528

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:45