The Meridian Bridge, a long-time landmark in Yankton, is the result of hard work and determination of local citizens long before automobiles were crossing the river to get back and forth between Yankton and the communities in Nebraska to its south.

The stately Meridian Bridge, built in 1924, was the first permanent highway crossing the Missouri River. This unique bridge is a “double-decker” with one lane positioned above another. It was constructed as a lift-span bridge to allow riverboat traffic to traverse the river. Up until 1953, it was operated as a toll bridge.

Take a look at this beauty! The bridge spans the river at the end of Walnut Street. Once federal funding is secured, plans are being made to build a new bridge for vehicle traffic just one block west of the Meridian, and then use this historic bridge as a pedestrian bridge or other tourism-based activity.