Colorado Street Bridge

The Colorado Street Bridge is an arch bridge in Saint Paul that spans a significant valley with prominent arches supporting its length. The structure displays traditional engineering techniques with sturdy piers that carry the load.

This structure was built in 1888 as part of Saint Paul's ambitious plans to develop its infrastructure during a period of rapid city growth. The bridge represents the engineering achievements and construction methods of that time.

The bridge displays design features typical of its era, still visible in the way it was built and stands today. Walking across it, you can notice these characteristics in the arches and overall construction.

The best views of the structure can be found from below or from the sides of the valley, where you can see the arches in full. Crossing it is possible on most days, though it helps to be aware of normal traffic conditions.

This bridge was built using techniques that are rarely used in modern construction, making it a living example of historical engineering practices. This building knowledge is foreign to most contemporary engineers.