I-35W Saint Anthony Falls Bridge

The I-35W Saint Anthony Falls Bridge is a road bridge carrying interstate highway traffic across the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, linking downtown with the northern suburbs. The structure consists of two parallel deck sections, each supporting five travel lanes, mounted on concrete piers that rise from the riverbed.

The bridge was built after the previous structure collapsed in August 2007 and opened to traffic in September 2008. The replacement was completed in under 14 months, taking the place of a 40-year-old steel design.

The bridge design process incorporated extensive input from Minneapolis residents, business owners, and officials regarding elements such as pier shape, lighting schemes, and color selections.

The bridge remains open to road traffic at all times and carries a large share of north-south travel through Minneapolis. Pedestrians and cyclists use separate paths on both sides of the structure.

The banks below the bridge hold viewing platforms that overlook the Saint Anthony Falls, the only natural waterfall on the entire Mississippi River. The lighting on the bridge follows a programmed color scheme that increases visibility at night.

Location: Minneapolis

Inception: September 18, 2008

Official opening: September 18, 2008

Length: 371 m

Longest Span: 154 m

GPS coordinates: 44.97889,-93.24500

Latest update: December 20, 2025 12:29