Historic Bell Street Bridge | Glendive

Information

Landmark: Historic Bell Street Bridge
City: Glendive
Country: USA Montana
Continent: North America

Historic Bell Street Bridge, Glendive, USA Montana, North America

The Historic Bell Street Bridge is a steel truss bridge located in Glendive, Montana, USA.

It spans the Yellowstone River, connecting the north and south sides of the city.

Visual Characteristics

The bridge is a Parker through truss structure, constructed from steel. It features a single deck with two lanes of traffic. The steel components are painted a dark, utilitarian color, showing signs of age and weathering. The bridge's length is approximately 1,200 feet (365 meters).

Location & Access Logistics

The bridge is situated in the center of Glendive, Montana. It can be accessed directly from Bell Street, which runs through the city. Parking is available on both the north and south approaches to the bridge, primarily on adjacent city streets. Public transport options are limited; the nearest bus stop is approximately 0.5km from the south end of the bridge.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the Historic Bell Street Bridge was completed in 1913. It was built by the Great Northern Railway and the county to facilitate transportation across the Yellowstone River. Its original purpose was to serve both rail and vehicular traffic, though it is now exclusively used for road traffic.

Key Highlights & Activities

Pedestrian access is permitted on the sidewalks. Visitors can observe the bridge's structural engineering. Photography of the bridge and the Yellowstone River is possible from the bridge deck and its approaches.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are not directly available on the bridge itself but can be found in nearby city parks. Shade is minimal on the bridge. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. Food vendors are located in the downtown area, approximately 0.3km from the south end.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, early morning or late afternoon provides angled light on the steel structure. The best months for visiting are typically May through October, avoiding winter ice and snow conditions. No tide considerations apply.

Facts & Legends

A local anecdote suggests that during its construction, workers used dynamite to clear bedrock for the piers, causing minor tremors felt throughout Glendive. The bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.