Meridian Bridge (Yankton, South Dakota)

 NRHP - National Register of Historic Places, bridge, road bridge, 1924_construction

The bridge closed to vehicle transportation in October 2008, but opened in November 2011 to foot and bike traffic. Spanning over 3,029 feet, the Meridian Bridge is the longest double-decker pedestrian bridge connecting two states, Nebraska and South Dakota.

It was originally built in 1924 and was the first permanent bridge crossing the Missouri River. This unique bridge is a “double-decker” with one lane positioned above another and a lift-span to allow riverboat traffic to traverse the river. Up until 1953, it was operated as a toll bridge. In 2015 the Meridian Bridge Plaza was added to the north end of the bridge and is now home to a fountain, splash pad, benches, shading, green space, Yankton Riverwalk (sculpture trail) and also features Music at the Meridian; a local summer concert series held on select Thursday evenings during the months of June, July and August.