Baudette–Rainy River International Bridge

The Baudette – Rainy River International Bridge is an international bridge connecting Rainy River, Ontario, Canada, with Baudette, Minnesota, United States, across the Rainy River.

Baudette – Rainy River International Bridge
International Bridge seen from the Canadian side
Coordinates48°43′09″N 94°35′25″W
Carries2 lanes of MN 72 and Highway 11, pedestrian traffic
CrossesRainy River
LocaleRainy River, Ontario
OwnerOntario and Minnesota
Characteristics
Designsteel truss
MaterialSteel
Total length391 metres (1,283 ft)
Width7.3 metres (24 ft)
No. of spans6
Clearance above4.5 metres (15 ft) (above road deck)
Clearance belowRainy River
History
Constructed byBarnett-McQueen Ltd
Construction start1958
Construction end1960
OpenedJuly 30, 1960
Statistics
Toll1960-1988
Location

The bridge marks the western terminus of Ontario Highway 11 (as Atwood Avenue) and the northern terminus of Minnesota State Highway 72 (International Drive). The bridge is owned by Ontario and Minnesota, and is managed by MTO (with funding from the Government of Canada) and MnDOT, respectively.[1] The bridge carries 2 lanes of traffic and a 1.8 metres (5.9 ft) sidewalk for pedestrian traffic.[2] Customs plazas are located on both side of the bridge.

Downriver from the bridge is Baudette-Rainy River Rail Bridge, built in 1901 for Ontario and Rainy River Railway and now used by CN Rail.

Replacement

A new replacement bridge has been completed and opened to traffic in October 2020.[3] Destruction of the old structure has began and is expected to be completed by fall 2021 when a Grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting ceremony for the new bridge will take place.

Border crossing
Main article: Baudette–Rainy River Border Crossing

The Baudette–Rainy River Border Crossing connects the cities of Baudette, Minnesota and Rainy River, Ontario at the Baudette–Rainy River International Bridge. The Port of Entry was established in 1960 when the International Bridge was completed. Prior to 1960, the cities were connected via point-to-point ferry service as well as a railroad bridge.

References
  1. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-06. Retrieved 2011-09-10.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  2. http://www.dot.state.mn.us/d2/projects/baudette-bridge/pdfs/public-meeting-3/pic_brd-5_background.pdf
  3. http://www.dot.state.mn.us/d2/projects/baudette-bridge/index.html

The Rainy River Record

48°43′9″N 94°35′25″W


This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.