Richard I. Bong Memorial Bridge

The Richard I. Bong Memorial Bridge, also known as the Bong Bridge, connects Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin, via U.S. Route 2 (US 2). Opened on October 25, 1985, it is roughly 11,800 feet (3,600 m) long, including about 8,300 feet (2,500 m) over water.[1] It crosses the Saint Louis Bay that drains into Lake Superior.

Richard I. Bong Memorial Bridge
Richard I. Bong Memorial Bridge from the Duluth, Minnesota hillside looking southwest toward Superior, Wisconsin and Billings Park.
Coordinates46.73142°N 92.14376°W / 46.73142; -92.14376
CarriesFour lanes of US 2
CrossesSaint Louis Bay
LocaleDuluth, MN and Superior, WI
Maintained byWisconsin Department of Transportation
Characteristics
DesignTied-arch bridge
Total length11,800 ft (3,600 m)
History
OpenedOctober 25, 1985

History

The bridge's namesake, Richard Ira Bong, was a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II who was named the United States' all-time "Ace of Aces". The bridge was originally to be named Arrowhead Bridge, after the old wood trestle–bascule bridge it replaced.[2]

Tied arch spanning the main channel

The bridge is one of the largest public works projects undertaken by the state of Wisconsin. Ayres Associates, an architectural/engineering company based in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, managed the project and designed the 1.5 miles (2.4 km) length of approach bridges. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation designed the channel span (tied arch). Its central suspension section is made of Japanese steel.[3]

In 2007, the Bong Bridge won a Wonders of Wisconsin Engineering Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies, Wisconsin Chapter, which was celebrating its 50th anniversary.[4]

Accident

The bridge was the scene of a 16-vehicle pile-up on January 27, 2005, in which 10 people were hospitalized and a baby was given an emergency delivery but subsequently died.[5]

See also
  • Transport portal
  • Engineering portal
  • United States portal

References
  1. "Bong Bridge facts". Duluth News Tribune. Retrieved 2020-04-25.
  2. Andrew Krueger (February 19, 2008). "The late, great, Arrowhead Bridge". News Tribune Attic. Duluth News Tribune.
  3. "Roads and Bridges named in honor of Veterans and Military". Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, State of Minnesota. Archived from the original on October 5, 2012.
  4. "Wonders of Wisconsin Engineering" (PDF). Newsletter. Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin. April 2008. p. 5. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 28, 2011.
  5. "MPR: Major accident closes bridge between Duluth and Superior". Minnesota Public Radio. 2005-01-27. Retrieved 2011-08-25.


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