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The Liberty Memorial Bridge is a steel arch bridge spanning the Missouri River in Bismarck, North Dakota.

It connects the cities of Bismarck and Mandan, serving as a vital transportation link.

Visual Characteristics

The bridge features a continuous steel truss structure with a main arch span. Its deck is composed of concrete. The primary color of the steel structure is a utilitarian gray, with some sections painted in a darker shade. The bridge has a total length of 1,835 feet (559 meters) and a deck width of 40 feet (12 meters), accommodating two lanes of traffic in each direction, plus pedestrian walkways on either side.

Location & Access Logistics

The Liberty Memorial Bridge is located approximately 1 mile west of downtown Bismarck. Access is directly from US Highway 83 (also known as Memorial Highway) on the Bismarck side and 1st Avenue NE on the Mandan side. Ample parking is available in designated lots on both the Bismarck and Mandan sides of the river, particularly near the riverfront parks. Public transport options are limited; however, local bus routes may have stops near the bridge approaches, requiring a short walk to access the pedestrian walkways.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the Liberty Memorial Bridge began in 1920 and was completed in 1922. It was built by the Missouri Valley Bridge & Iron Company. The bridge was designed to commemorate soldiers who served in World War I, hence its name. Ecologically, it spans the Missouri River, a major tributary of the Mississippi River, impacting the riparian zone and aquatic habitats of the river.

Key Highlights & Activities

Pedestrian access is permitted on the dedicated walkways, offering views of the Missouri River and the surrounding landscape. Cycling is also permitted on the walkways. Photographers may find opportunities for capturing the bridge's structure against the sky, particularly during sunrise and sunset. Fishing is possible from designated areas along the riverbanks near the bridge approaches.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available in the adjacent parks on both the Bismarck and Mandan sides. Shade is limited to the pedestrian walkways themselves, which offer no overhead cover. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally reliable throughout the bridge and its immediate vicinity. Food vendors are not typically present directly on the bridge, but restaurants and cafes are located within a short distance in both Bismarck and Mandan.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, the early morning (sunrise) and late afternoon (sunset) provide optimal lighting conditions for the bridge's structure. The best months for visiting are typically May through October, offering milder weather for walking and cycling. There are no tide-related considerations as this is a river bridge.

Facts & Legends

A unique historical detail is that the bridge was constructed using materials sourced locally and from across the United States, symbolizing national unity. A local anecdote suggests that on clear nights, the reflection of the bridge lights on the calm river surface creates an illusion of a second, inverted bridge.

Nearby Landmarks

• North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum (0.8km East)
• State Capitol Building (1.2km East)
• Sertoma Park (1.5km Southeast)
• Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park (8.5km South)
• Mandan Depot Museum (1.0km West)