Northern Pacific Bridge Number 9 is one of the “lesser” bridges connecting the east and west sides of Minneapolis across the Mississippi.
The bridge is significant for its configuration as a deck truss, which is a rare truss type in [Minnesota], and innovative reuse of 1885 pin-connected deck truss spans that were reinforced in 1922 with riveted deck truss spans.
From a 45-page Minnesota Department of Transportation Local Historic Bridge Report which discusses the bridge in great detail.
Photographs of the river flowing through Minneapolis tend to favor more elegant crossings, especially Stone Arch Bridge. I try to favor “B List” places in my travels, so I have a soft spot for the humble Northern Pacific Bridge Number 9.
In 1999 this railroad bridge was converted into a pedestrian/bicycle bridge. The west side of the bridge is a 500-yard bicycle ride from our condo building. White lines divide the deck into four lanes: two for pedestrians and two for cyclists.
I love the gentle curve in the first section. Beyond the curve, I can look back towards the west side of the Mississippi and the towers of Riverside Plaza.
These towers have been home to waves of new immigrants, and people with low incomes. Today, many of our new immigrants are refugees from Somalia.
Across the bridge, at the east end, emissions from the University of Minnesota district heating plant condense in the cold air.
This plant heats most of the University’s East and West Bank (of the Mississippi) Campuses.
The bridge doesn’t just carry pedestrians and cyclists. Below, pipes deliver steam to the West Bank Campus.
It may not be the prettiest bridge, but it’s practical.
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