North Dakota's bridges showcase a rich tapestry of history and engineering.
The Liberty Memorial Bridge, an iconic structure in Bismarck since 1922, spans the Missouri River, symbolizing the state's resilience and connecting communities. The Four Bears Bridge, named after the Mandan-Hidatsa chief, gracefully crosses Lake Sakakawea, offering breathtaking views and honoring Native American heritage. The Rainbow Arch Bridge, a marvel in Valley City, stands as a testament to 20th-century engineering. Built in 1925, its distinctive arches and vibrant colors make it an architectural gem. Collectively, these bridges are more than mere conduits; they are gateways to North Dakota's past.
In addition to these landmarks, the state hosts other notable bridges such as the Fairview Lift Bridge spanning the Yellowstone River and the charming Larimore Bridge over the Turtle River. Each structure encapsulates a piece of North Dakota's narrative, blending functionality with historical significance, inviting visitors to traverse both the physical and temporal landscapes of this remarkable state.
Learn more about North Dakota's bridges by using the map and watching the videos below.
Historic Bridge Videos
Most of these videos were made as mitigation for removal of these historic bridges.
This video documents the original Liberty Memorial Bridge which was built throughout 1921 and dedicated in September of 1922. It was a Warren-Turner through truss bridge. NDDOT produced this video intending it be used for educational purposes. The video discusses and portrays the history and context of our historic bridges in North Dakota with Liberty Memorial Bridge as the centerpiece.
This video was produced as part of the NDDOT’s effort to mitigate the adverse effects under the National Historic Preservation Act, Section 106 Process related to removal of this historic bridge; the Second Four Bears Bridge. The second Four Bears Bridge was built in 1953 and used the original Four Bears Bridge as its center. This Warren through truss bridge was connected to deck truss bridges on either side to create a bridge 4,483 feet in length. The first Four Bears Bridge was a 4 span Warren through truss built in 1934.
Four Bears Bridge - It's History and Construction
Crossing the Water - An Oral History of the Four Bears Bridge
- The four videos below include an oral history of the Mandan, Hidasta, Arikara Nation (MHAN) relative to lifeway at the time of the Elbowwoods Four Bears Bridge, A History of Life on the Water, documenting the second Four Bears Bridge west of New Town over Lake Sakakawea, and the construction of the new and third Four Bears Bridge.
This video documents the construction of the new Marsh Arch Bridge in Valley City. As part of mitigation for removal of the original Marsh Arch (Rainbow Arch) Bridge, the NDDOT constructed a new Marsh Arch bridge. The original patented bridge was used to upscale the bridge to fit current transportation needs. Valley City has the only new Marsh Arch bridge in the nation. While modern materials were used in our new Rainbow Arch Bridge, the techniques to construct the bridge borrowed from the past.