Once a vital link carrying 4th Street over railroad tracks the 4th Avenue Bridge stands as a testament to Minneapolis’s industrial past. This unusual bridge is part of the St Anthony Falls Historic District. It’s an early example of a rivet-connected truss bridge in Minnesota. Notice its unique Warren truss design. It has no vertical supports a noteworthy 60-degree skew and incredibly shallow trusses only 5 feet deep. To accommodate a wide deck three truss lines were used.
The 4th Avenue Bridge is a survivor. It escaped demolition while its surroundings transformed dramatically. Imagine this area once bustling with industry. Now residential towers surround the bridge. Inspection reports reveal the railroad tracks beneath were removed in 1985. The bridge closed to traffic in 1993. It then had a wooden deck.
By 2013 the 4th Avenue Bridge had been saved. Today it’s reserved for non-motorized traffic. The bridge itself doesn’t seem to serve a practical purpose. The railroad tracks are gone. It rests atop a building. Yet it remains. Its stone abutments hold fast. The 4th Avenue Bridge is a historical landmark. It’s a powerful reminder of the area’s past. It shows how much Minneapolis has changed. Yet this sturdy bridge endures. It continues to stand tall. A symbol of resilience and a window to the city’s rich history. The 4th Avenue Bridge. A silent observer of time. A bridge that transcends its function. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of Minneapolis.