The Meridian Bridge... By Kelly Hertz The Press & Dakotan It is, without any question or any sense of doubt, the most recognizable landmark Yankton has ever known. The Meridian Bridge has been part of Yankton life for nearly 90 years. It was opened for business in 1924 as a vital artery connecting South Dakota and Nebraska, and it served as a key link on the Meridian Highway that stretched across North America from north to south. The two-deck bridge served motorists for generations, ultimately aging into a grand relic from another time. But as transportation needs changed — and as the bridge’s structural decay increased — a replacement was needed and was built. The Discovery Bridge, built at the bottom end of Broadway just a few blocks west of the Meridian Bridge, was opened in 2008 and became the area’s new link. But the 1924 bridge would not go away so easily — nor would dreams of saving it. At the end of 2011, the old Meridian Bridge became new again, re-emerging as a recreational pedestrian bridge that would eventually link up with a park and trail system that are planned on the Nebraska side. The disposition of the Meridian Bridge had been a crucial element in clearing the path for the construction of the Discovery Bridge. After years of planning and fears that the old bridge would have to be scuttled, South Dakota and Nebraska highway officials came up with a plan to convert Meridian into a pedestrian 16 – VISITORS GUIDE • YANKTON, SOUTH DAKOTA walkway. Once completed, the bridge would be turned over to the City of Yankton for care. Thanks to funding from the American Investment and Recovery Act, the $5 million conversion project began in late 2009. The bridge’s gusset plates were replaced, railing was reinforced and lights were stationed across both decks of the bridge. In many ways, the bridge is in better shape now structurally than it was during its last few years of vehicular use. After the two-year conversion process was mostly completed, the bridge was opened up to foot and bicycle traffic on the eve of Thanksgiving in 2011. During that long holiday weekend, hundreds of people took the opportunity to again use the Meridian Bridge and see the sights, especially from the top deck, which offers what one South Dakota highway official called the prettiest view of the Missouri River you will find anywhere. The Meridian Bridge is the longest pedestrian bridge connecting two states in the United States. The bridge figures to quickly become a center of activity for the community and region. During Yankton’s annual “Holiday Parade of Lights” this past December, a small ceremony took place at the park near the foot of the bridge that, organizers hope, will turn into an annual holiday event. But the bridge will have year-round functionality. It joins Yankton’s growing system of hiking and biking trails that are among the best in the Upper Midwest. With its scenic views, its unique construction and its prominent place at the south edge of Yankton, the Meridian Bridge is expected to remain a popular attraction for years to come. And locals won’t be losing sight of this spectacular and historic landmark anytime soon.