Four Bears Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Four Bears Bridge |
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Four Bears Bridge seen by satellite in 1996
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| Crosses | Lake Sakakawea |
| Characteristics | |
| Longest span | 316 feet (96 m) |
| History | |
| Construction begin | July 2003 |
| Construction end | 2005 |
The Four Bears Bridge is a really important bridge in North Dakota, a state in the United States. It crosses over Lake Sakakawea, which is part of the Missouri River. This bridge is located on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation.
The bridge you see today opened in 2005. It's the second largest bridge in North Dakota. It helps people travel along North Dakota Highway 23.
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Four Bears Bridge: A Journey Through Time
The current Four Bears Bridge isn't the first one to stand here. An older bridge was built in 1934. That bridge served the community for many years.
The Old Bridge's Big Move
In the 1950s, something big happened. The Garrison Dam was built, creating a huge lake called Lake Sakakawea. This new lake would flood the area where the old bridge stood.
So, in 1955, the 1934 bridge had to be moved. It was quite an engineering feat! This move allowed the bridge to keep serving the community even with the new lake.
Building the New Bridge
Work on the new Four Bears Bridge started in July 2003. It was a big project, costing about $55 million. The goal was to create a modern and strong bridge.
Sadly, during its construction on November 30, 2004, a part of the new bridge collapsed. One worker died and three others were injured in this accident.
The new bridge was finished in 2005. It officially opened to traffic on September 2, 2005. A special opening ceremony was held on October 3, 2005.
Honoring Native American Heritage
The Four Bears Bridge is more than just a way to cross the water. It also celebrates the rich history and culture of the local Native American tribes.
The bridge is decorated with special medallions. These medallions show the heritage of the Three Affiliated Tribes. These tribes are the Mandan, Arikara, and Hidatsa people. They live on the Fort Berthold Reservation.
The bridge is named after two important chiefs. Both chiefs were named Four Bears. One chief was from the Mandan tribe, and the other was from the Hidatsa tribe. Naming the bridge after them honors their legacy and the tribes' history.
Images for kids
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The old bridge from the Four Bears Village side
