Rock Island Swing Bridge begins new chapter

Last year the Rock Island Swing Bridge in Inver Grove Heights was listed as one of the states 10 most endangered historic places by the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota. The bridges two-tiered car-and-rail design, believed to be nationally unique. Plus, gangster John Dillinger was said to have used the bridge as a way to elude the FBI in the 1930s.

Until recently, that history was at risk of being lost.

About two years ago a group of people thought that it would be a great idea to look at saving the bridge. It was so difficult, and there wasnt the money, Mayor George Tourville told Town Square Television, the local public access station. Ironically, the collapse of an eastern part of the bridge may have helped sound an alarm around the bridges future, rallying supporters.

Local boosters hard work has paid off. A few of the western sections of the bridge will live on as a 670-foot recreational pier, stretching outward from the East 66th Street right-of-way.

The City of Inver Grove Heights contributed $450,000 to the effort, and will own and manage the structure. That local money was combined with Dakota County, state and federal funds as well as Minnesota Historical Society and individuals contributions, bringing the project budget to around $2.4 million.

The swing bridge site is located just south of a long-planned riverfront park and development dubbed Heritage Park, the focus of previous intensive planning. Sensing opportunity, the city recently opted to acquire 21.5 acres of riverfront land along with the swing bridge. Local officials hope this will tie together the swing bridge and the Heritage Park site to the north.

Progress on the Swing Bridge comes at the same time as other related river-area initiatives move forward. An extension of the Mississippi River Trail through the area is making rapid progress, and environmental cleanup of the Heritage Park site is progressing as well.

Parks Director Eric Carlson says the acquisition has given the city reason to step back and look at the whole area — including the Swing Bridge area and Heritage Park — through one cohesive re-planning process. The city expects that will take place later this year.

Despite the uphill climb, the project quickly captured the hearts and imaginations of several key government and local leaders. For the second time in history, the Rock Island Swing Bridge was the scene of a narrow and incredible escape, State Representative Joe Atkins noted.

Construction on the swing bridge site is currently underway. We look forward to revealing the completed project in a future Mississippi Messages e-newsletter.

— River Planner Bob Spaulding