Little Wind River Bridge | Riverton

Information

Landmark: Little Wind River Bridge
City: Riverton
Country: USA Wyoming
Continent: North America

Little Wind River Bridge, Riverton, USA Wyoming, North America

The Little Wind River Bridge is a concrete arch bridge located in Riverton, Wyoming, USA.

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

Visual Characteristics

The bridge features a single, large concrete arch. The deck is constructed from reinforced concrete. The total length of the bridge is approximately 150 feet (45.7 meters), with a width of 30 feet (9.1 meters). The arch rises about 40 feet (12.2 meters) above the riverbed at its apex. The concrete exhibits a weathered gray appearance.

Location & Access Logistics

The bridge is situated within the city limits of Riverton, Wyoming. It is accessible via U.S. Route 26, which runs through Riverton. The bridge is located approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) east of the downtown area. Ample on-street parking is available on both the north and south approaches to the bridge. Public transport options within Riverton are limited; the nearest bus stop is approximately 0.5 miles (0.8 km) west of the bridge.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the Little Wind River Bridge was completed in 1958. It was designed by the Wyoming Department of Transportation. The bridge was built to replace an older, less robust structure and to improve traffic flow across the Little Wind River, which is a tributary of the Big Wind River. The river itself is a natural waterway supporting riparian vegetation.

Key Highlights & Activities

Pedestrian access is permitted on sidewalks along the bridge. Observation of the river flow and surrounding landscape is possible from the bridge deck. Fishing is permitted in the Little Wind River from the riverbanks adjacent to the bridge approaches, subject to Wyoming Game and Fish Department regulations.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are not directly available on the bridge itself but can be found in nearby Riverton parks. Shade is minimal on the bridge deck. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong in this area of Riverton. Food vendors are not present at the bridge; dining options are available in downtown Riverton.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, the late afternoon offers favorable lighting conditions due to the angle of the sun. The best months for visiting are typically May through October, when weather conditions are most stable. There are no tide-dependent activities associated with this bridge.

Facts & Legends

A local anecdote suggests that during construction, a rare bird species was observed nesting in the vicinity, leading to a temporary halt in work to ensure its protection. The bridge's construction was a significant engineering feat for its time in this region.