Rock Island Centennial Bridge, Steel arch bridge in Davenport, United States
The Rock Island Centennial Bridge is a steel arch bridge spanning the Mississippi River between Davenport, Iowa and Rock Island, Illinois. The structure features five steel arches and stretches approximately 1173 meters at a height of about 52 meters, serving as a major road crossing.
The bridge opened in 1940 as a significant highway crossing over the Mississippi River. Its completion represented an important moment in establishing better road connections between the two states.
The bridge serves as a daily crossing point for residents on both sides of the river, shaping how communities connect and move between the two states. For locals, it represents a practical link rather than a landmark, though its presence in the landscape influences how people navigate the area.
The bridge accommodates vehicle traffic between the two states with no tolls required for crossing. It is designed primarily for cars and trucks, so pedestrian access may be limited.
Each arch of the bridge is independently designed using a tied arch system, allowing each span to function as its own structure. This design approach was innovative for river crossings of its era and distributed weight in an unusual way.
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