The Mississippi Bridge with a Spiral Approach
Hastings wrapped its bridge approach into a loop to gain height while keeping traffic connected to downtown.
The old Mississippi River bridge at Hastings began with a spiral. Before crossing the river, traffic curved around an elevated loop on the south bank, climbing toward the bridge deck above the waterfront.
Making the Approach Fit
A river crossing needed clearance for traffic on the water as well as a workable road connection on land. At Hastings, gaining that height with a long straight approach would have carried the road away from the downtown connection local businesses wanted.
The loop fitted more climbing distance into a compact space. The approach could rise while turning back toward the crossing, rather than require a long ramp extending through town. The roadway continued through the curve and straight onto the river span.
The bridge opened in 1895. Built by the Wisconsin Bridge and Iron Company, it joined the river crossing to an approach that quickly became its most recognizable feature. Early photographs show the open framework beneath the curved roadway, with the longer span reaching away across the Mississippi.
Fifty-Six Years of Traffic
The structure served during a period when road travel changed considerably. It opened in the era of horse-drawn vehicles and remained in use as automobiles and trucks became routine. The route later became part of U.S. 61, but that highway designation did not exist when the bridge first opened.
Its narrow roadway and curved approach became less suitable for the volume and weight of later traffic. A replacement bridge opened in 1951, ending fifty-six years of service for the spiral crossing. The old bridge was removed.
Levee Park preserves a small footing and a marker associated with the old crossing. It marks the location of the south approach, where the loop connected the river crossing with downtown streets.
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Sources & photograph
Adapted from the Hidden Here story catalog. Explore the historical records behind this story.
