Bi-State Vietnam Gold Star Bridges

The Bi-State Vietnam Gold Star Bridges are two parallel cantilever structures that cross the Ohio River between Evansville and Henderson. The longer one spans about 720 feet while the other extends about 600 feet, both traveling at a height of around 100 feet above the water.

The northern bridge was built during the Great Depression and opened in 1932, while the southern span came into service in 1965. These two construction phases from different eras reflect how economic conditions shaped the region's infrastructure development.

These bridges carry the name honoring Vietnam War veterans from both states, a designation given through a public dedication in 1969. The naming reflects how local communities chose to remember those who served during that conflict.

These bridges handle daily traffic between the two states and provide a direct crossing point for travelers. Visitors should know that one of the structures will eventually be decommissioned as newer infrastructure projects finish in the coming years.

Although these bridges connect two states, both lie entirely within Kentucky's jurisdiction due to historical shifts in the Ohio River's course. This geographic quirk often goes unnoticed, even by regular travelers crossing these routes.