Grand Tower Pipeline Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Grand Tower Pipeline Bridge |
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View of the bridge from the south
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| Carries | Natural gas |
| Crosses | Mississippi River |
| Locale | Grand Tower, Illinois |
| Maintained by | Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Suspension bridge |
| Longest span | 2,161.5 feet (659 m) |
| History | |
| Opened | 1955 |
The Grand Tower Pipeline Bridge is a special kind of bridge. It carries a natural gas pipeline across the mighty Mississippi River. This bridge is located near a town called Grand Tower, Illinois. It helps deliver natural gas to many homes and businesses.
Contents
What is the Grand Tower Pipeline Bridge?
The Grand Tower Pipeline Bridge is a suspension bridge. It was built to carry a large pipeline. This pipeline moves natural gas from one place to another. Natural gas is an important fuel. It is used for heating homes, cooking food, and making electricity.
Carrying Natural Gas Safely
This bridge is not for cars, trucks, or trains. Instead, its main job is to hold a very large pipeline. This pipeline is filled with natural gas. The bridge makes sure this gas can safely cross the wide Mississippi River. It helps deliver energy to many people.
Where is This Bridge Located?
The Grand Tower Pipeline Bridge crosses the Mississippi River. This river is one of the longest in North America. The bridge connects areas near Grand Tower, Illinois. It also reaches into Missouri. It's an important link for energy transport in the region.
How Does a Suspension Bridge Work?
The Grand Tower Pipeline Bridge is a suspension bridge. This type of bridge uses strong cables to hold up the main part of the bridge.
Main Parts of a Suspension Bridge
- Towers: Tall towers stand on each side of the river.
- Main Cables: Huge cables hang between these towers. They form a big curve.
- Hangers: Smaller, vertical cables hang down from the main cables.
- Deck: The deck is the flat part that carries the pipeline. The hangers are attached to this deck, holding it up.
This design allows suspension bridges to cross very long distances. The Grand Tower Pipeline Bridge has a main span of about 2,161 feet (659 meters). This is the distance between its two main towers.
When Was the Bridge Built?
The Grand Tower Pipeline Bridge was finished in 1955. It has been carrying natural gas safely across the river for many decades.
Who Takes Care of the Bridge?
The Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America is in charge of maintaining this bridge. They make sure it stays safe and in good working order. This is important for the continuous flow of natural gas.
