Merriam Bridge (Bridge 27664)
See features of the bridge
History and significance
The Merriam Bridge is a three-span, steel-girder bridge that carries Merriam Street across the east channel of the Mississippi River between Nicollet Island and the bank of the river in Minneapolis. The bridge incorporates one of the original Pratt through truss spans from the Broadway Bridge, which was demolished and replaced in 1987. The truss is an aesthetic feature of the bridge, and therefore does not carry vehicle or pedestrian live loads.
The Merriam Bridge is significant as a rare extant example of a wrought-iron Pratt through truss and for its important role in the development of North Minneapolis. It is a noncontributing resource to the St. Anthony Falls Historic District, in which the bridge is located.
Location
City of Minneapolis (Hennepin County)
Latitude, Longitude:
44.98588370, -93.25943508
Bridge features
Design and construction of a wrought-iron, Pratt through truss, as reused and incorporated into a steel-girder bridge.
Ornamental features, including lacing and lattice detailing, finials, cresting atop the portal bracing, and decorative bridge plate.
Use of wrought iron members in truss construction.