Lester River Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Lester River Bridge–Bridge No. 5772
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The Lester River Bridge viewed from the southeast
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 Location in Duluth
Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | London Road over the Lester River, Duluth, Minnesota |
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| Area | Less than one acre |
| Built | 1924–25 |
| Built by | Charles Russell McLean |
| Architect | Anthony Morell & Arthur R. Nichols (landscape architects), William H. Cruikshank (engineer) |
| Architectural style | Filled-spandrel concrete arch |
| MPS | Reinforced-Concrete Highway Bridges in Minnesota MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 02000934 |
| Added to NRHP | September 6, 2002 |
The Lester River Bridge (also called Bridge 5772) is a special old bridge in Duluth, Minnesota. It carries Minnesota State Highway 61, also known as London Road, over the Lester River. This bridge was built a long time ago, between 1924 and 1925.
It's a type of bridge called a reinforced concrete arch bridge. This means it's made mostly of strong concrete with steel bars inside to make it even tougher. It also has pretty stone decorations on the outside. In 2002, the bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of important places in the United States that are worth protecting. The Lester River Bridge was recognized for its beautiful design, how it was built, and its role in transportation.
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What Makes This Bridge Special?
The Lester River Bridge is known for a few important things. It has a style called Neoclassical architecture, which means it looks like old Greek and Roman buildings. It also has a very long main arch, stretching about 103.5 feet (31.5 meters).
Why Was This Bridge Built?
This bridge was an important part of opening up the scenic North Shore of Lake Superior. This area is famous for its beautiful views and natural spots. The bridge helped people travel easily along this lovely route.
How Was It Built?
The Lester River Bridge was constructed using a method called "filled-spandrel concrete arch." This means the main arch supports the road above it, and the spaces (spandrels) between the arch and the road are filled in. This makes the bridge very strong and stable.
The main builder was Charles Russell McLean. The design was created by architects Anthony Morell and Arthur R. Nichols, who were landscape architects. William H. Cruikshank was the engineer who figured out how to make it all work safely.
A Landmark on the North Shore
The Lester River Bridge is more than just a way to cross the river. It's a landmark that shows how bridges were built in the past. It also reminds us of the history of travel and how important roads are for connecting communities.
