Picture the Ford Parkway-46th Street Bridge. A majestic concrete arch spanning the Mississippi River. It connects Minneapolis and St Paul. This isn’t just any bridge. It’s a piece of history a testament to engineering ingenuity.
The Ford Parkway-46th Street Bridge more formally known as the Intercity Bridge boasts a rich past. Built between 1925 and 1927 it stands as one of Minnesota’s largest reinforced concrete bridges. Its creation was spearheaded by a committee of engineers and politicians. Charles M Babcock Minnesota’s first highway commissioner chaired this significant project. The bridge was designed by Martin Sigvart Grytbak. James O Heyworth Inc was the construction company.
The bridge’s initial purpose was to serve Ford’s Twin Cities Assembly Plant. The idea was to make the Highland Park area of St Paul a desirable place to live. People from Minneapolis could easily commute to the plant. St Paul even renamed Edsel Avenue to Ford Parkway as part of this plan. However the Great Depression and growth on the Minneapolis side of the river slowed this development. The anticipated boom didn’t fully materialize until after World War II.
The Ford Parkway-46th Street Bridge has undergone significant changes. In 1972-1973 it was redecked and widened. Then in 2004 a major reconstruction project took place. The arches were rebuilt completely. This impressive work earned an award from the Minnesota Society of Professional Engineers in 2006. The bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
Today the Ford Parkway-46th Street Bridge is more than just a thoroughfare. It is a symbol of the connection between Minneapolis and St Paul. Its enduring presence is a powerful reminder of a bygone era of ambitious planning. The bridge’s impressive scale and its historical significance are a source of pride for the Twin Cities. It stands as a remarkable example of concrete arch bridge design. Its story is one of vision perseverance and ultimately triumph over adversity. This enduring bridge continues to serve as a vital link between two iconic cities.