In Plain Sight | Toll Bridge

Up until 1999, a 75¢ toll was all it took to cross the Mississippi River between Inver Grove Heights and St. Paul Park. Due to structural deficiencies, however, the double-decker Rock Island bridge was closed to cars that year. Its swing span has been left open to accommodate river traffic, its rail line has been overgrown by mother nature, and its automobile deck has been assaulted by graffiti artists.

Today, it will cost millions of dollars to rehabilitate the same span. Dakota and Washington Counties have been attempting to secure funding, but the US Coast Guard has declared the bridge a navigational hazard and is demanding it be demolished.

Trying to gauge public interest in saving the bridge, the National Park Service invites you to tour this unique landmark Saturday October 25th from 10am-2pm. Click here for more information.