This steel cantilever arch bridge carries US 24 across the Eagle River, the (unused) Union Pacific Railroad, and Water Street which was the former alignment of US 24. It crosses directly above Water Street's own bridge over the railroad and the river.
The 2004 rehab was a near total reconstruction, preserving and rehabilitating the original steel arch, while completely replacing and widening the deck. A high priority was placed on maintaining the bridge's historic integrity and appearance. Owing to the bridge's location spanning two cliffs, the project was involved and hazardous. The complete story, with construction photos, is at the Federal Highway Administration link below.
I have Front page of The Denver Post Jan 13 1946 with large photo of then silver bridge with an antique car. How can I submit that?
My Grandfather, John Callahan was one of the workers who helped build this bridge. Needless to say, it is quite a landmark for our family. We try to get there every couple of years. The bridge has been used for commercials on TV and featured a bungee jumper, falling off the bridge. We were there when they were filming and found they could not jump from the bridge, so they used a crane next to the bridge which with modern photography made it look as though the person was jumping from the bridge. We do have some photos of the bridge being built which were taken by my GF, but they are highly protected by my father. I will attempt to get them one day and make copies to post. They are very interesting pictures, some of which he took while working.
Chuck Callahan
You have only one life to live, so see all you can by traveling west. Tresure it for the rest of you retirement.
I am doing a project on the red cliff and i cant find as much information as i need to
My husband Jim and I had to stop to admire and take some pics of this bridge when we visited Leadville August 2008. It was a little scary driving over. I will ask Jim to add the photos later.
Kim Westendorf
Cincinnati Ohio
I was in Colorado visiting my son. We wanted to make a trip to Leadville and in spite of the snow and wind, decided to try it. About 8 miles outside of Minturn, we decided we should turn back. There it was-- the beautiful Red Cliff Bridge. We didn't make it to Leadville, but we were lucky to get to see the beautiful bridge. I'm anxious to return in good weather so we can enjoy the view!
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Living a few hours away, we go over this bridge 2 -3 times a year on motorcycle trips.
It's a fantastic looking bridge, so as a pro photographer, I created a fine landscape photo of it in it's present condition.
Note my buddy's bike on his trailer behind the silver truck. He's on the left AND the right bridge deck.Gee, how'd that happen?
Enjoy!
Rob of the Springs, CO.
Looking at this bridge makes our "bouncing" steel arch [deck pratt truss] seem ALOT safer and less scary!!! PS I rather enjoy the bouncing!!!!
We found this bridge on our way to Leadville. It is awsome and very scary to drive over.
We accidentally found this beautiful little town, Red Cliff. And it was on the day of their Artist's Studio Tours. It is a gem and the bridge is beautiful. Must see. Have lunch at Mango's.
I would be scared going over this bridge
James, could you link the builder Martin added with https://bridgehunter.com/category/builder/minneapolis-steel-... like each iteration of King is linked?
More people are going to know it by the older name vs the post-1929 name used on this bridge.