took a walk.....

Greg K

Well-known Member
On the Meridian Bridge over the Missouri River last night in Yankton SD. The bridge just closed to vehicle traffic a couple years ago and they built a new bridge just upstream of the old one. They converted the old double decker drawbridge to a walking bridge. When it was built in the 1920's there were supposed to be trains on the lower level and cars and horses on the upper level, going both directions. Real neat looking at the way it was built. The upper deck must be 50' above the water and there are ladders on the outside corners of the towers to climb for maintenance that go up another 75 feet or so. It was a great evening for a walk with just enough breeze to keep the temps about right. Here's the pictures.
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Sometime when we are in the Yankton area we'll have to stop there to take a peaceful stroll on that bridge. It's doesn't look very wide but model T's and horse carriages didn't take up much width. Back in the day I wonder how many close encounters they had when a car met a skittish horse pulling a carriage. Jim
 
I lived in Marion SD from 1970 thru 1978. My grand parents lived near Fairbury NE, so we would take hwy 81 south. I remember that bridge-I did not like being on the upper level!
 
was that a drawbridge or actually a lift bridge where both lower and upper decks of the main span moved vertically--usually by cables??
thanks--nice pics
 
It lifted both decks vertically. Sorry, drawbridge probably is not the right term. It used cables like you say, however the cables are long gone. There is a picture of it with the spans raised but navigation has not gone that far upstream in many years. IIRC Gavins Point Dam, which is just upstream, was built in the mid 50"s.
 
Thats a neat thought, both dedications. I figured I could see your house from there looking west somewhere :).
 
So many people on this site talk about their love for the country life, but it does not seem to include much talk about.... setting on the porch for coffee, a quiet morning walk, a beautiful sunset or a favorite tree. The best things in life really are free.
Nice photos of the old bridge and river.
 

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