11/18/2024
For this Meridian Monday, we learn about the lower level conversion of the bridge. There had been bottlenecks on the upper deck from the beginning since it was two-way traffic. Think large wide vehicles and combines. So, with the Army Corps of Engineers plans to build a dam at Gavins Point, the idea for use of the lower level of the Meridian Bridge began to emerge.
At first, it was the idea of trucks and rail being able to transport dam supplies across the river. But, in time, the strategy was changed in favor of converting the unused lower level to handle only Nebraska-bound highway traffic. This would not only be in the interest of the dam construction, but also to the City of Yankton. A contract was signed on March 21, 1952.
The good news was that the work to turn the lower level into a traffic lane would be at the expense of the federal government. The refurbished lower deck would have a 16-foot roadway and a spacious 17 feet, 7 inches, between the guardrails. It is interesting to note that part of the contract was the stipulation that all dam workers were permitted to cross the bridge toll-free on their way to and from the job. Trucking of all material for the dam project would also be toll-free. This arrangement meant the government did not have to build its own bridge to service the dam work and thus saved an estimated $2,000,000. The conversion of the lower bridge was allowed an allocation up to $250,000. A win for the federal government and a win for the bridge owner, the City of Yankton.
Again, thanks to the book, "The Bridge We Built," for capturing this amazing history.
