Third Avenue Bridge (Minneapolis) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Third Avenue Bridge |
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Third Avenue Bridge spanning the Mississippi, viewed from the northwest.
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| Coordinates | 44°59′00″N 93°15′32″W / 44.98333°N 93.25889°W |
| Carries | Four lanes of  MN 65 |
| Crosses | Mississippi River |
| Locale | Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States |
| Maintained by | Minnesota Department of Transportation |
| ID number | 2440 |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Open-spandrel concrete arch bridge |
| Total length | 2223 feet |
| Width | 54 feet |
| Longest span | 211 feet |
| Clearance below | 42 feet |
| History | |
| Opened | 1918 |
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Third Avenue Bridge
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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| Built | 1914-1918 |
| Architectural style | Melan arch bridge, open spandrel |
| Part of | St. Anthony Falls Historic District (ID71000438) |
| Designated CP | March 11, 1971 |
Bridges over the Mississippi in Minneapolis–St. Paul. 3rd Avenue is near middle of the image between Hennepin Avenue Bridge and Stone Arch Bridge.
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The Third Avenue Bridge is a famous landmark in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. It was first called the St. Anthony Falls Bridge. This bridge helps cars cross the Mississippi River. It also goes over the edges of Saint Anthony Falls.
The bridge has many arches. It connects with Third Avenue in downtown Minneapolis. But it curves as it crosses the river. This curve helps it connect to Central Avenue on the north side. The slight "S" shape was built to avoid cracks in the rock below. This rock supports the bridge's piers. The road on the bridge is also known as Minnesota State Highway 65.
Building the bridge started in 1914. It opened four years later in 1918. The bridge uses a special design called "Melan arches" with an "open spandrel" style. It has been updated since it was built. The bridge is 2,223 feet (about 677 meters) long. City engineer Frederick W. Cappelen designed it. He also designed other bridges in Minneapolis, like the Franklin Avenue Bridge. The Third Avenue Bridge cost about US$862,254 when it was built.
Bridge Updates and History
The Third Avenue Bridge has been updated over the years. These updates help keep it safe and strong.
Why the Bridge Needs Renovation
The bridge had a big repair project in 1979–1980. Another major update is planned to make it last 50 more years. This project will add a new road surface. It will also improve barriers, railings, and lighting.
Preserving Historic Design
The bridge is part of the St. Anthony Falls Historic District. This means it is an important historical site. A main goal of the renovation is to keep its original look. The construction project was set to begin in fall 2019. It is managed by Ames Construction, Inc..
