vMeridian Bridge continued from page 25 The bridge is a double-decker because there were hopes that it would carry both automobiles and trains across, but the railroad never materialized. Though the vertical lift design was typical, it was unique to the Meridian Bridge, and it was designed so that it could be swapped with one of the other spans if the river changed its channel. The design didn’t garner much attention in engineering circles, but Yankton considered it an outstanding bridge. This is evident in the fact that when the lifespan of the Meridian Bridge was coming to an end by the 1990s, efforts began immediately to save the bridge as it was a vital piece of local history. That hope became a reality in the early 2000s when a deal was reached to convert it into a pedestrian walkway and a replacement was secure. This allowed the construction of the Discovery Bridge, which opened in October 2008, to begin. Once the Discovery Bridge was completed work began on the Meridian and it was opened back to the public in late 2011. This has spurred other development; in 2015 the first phase of the Meridian Plaza opened on the north end of the bridge. So far it features a fountain, splash pads, benches, shading, and green space. A second phase will include steel planters and stainless steel backsplashes, as well as a permanent sculpture walk. The Meridian Bridge has undergone many renovations throughout Yankton’s history. In 1953, right after becoming toll free, the idle lower deck was converted into a highway lane which allowed one-way traffic on both levels for the first time. In 1969, the south approach was rebuilt and then both approach spans were replaced in the early 1980s. Also in the 1980s the lift span was deactivated and the counterweights and the toll booths were removed. Finally, there was the renovation to a pedestrian bridge in 2011. Throughout all of these changes the Meridian Bridge has stood as a symbol of Yankton and is a source of pride for the citizens. Attractions • Events • History • Arts • Shops SCHMECKFEST April 15-16, 22-23, 2016 / March 24-25, 31 & April 1, 2017 Schmeckfest.com PRAIRIE ARBORETUM 40 Acres - Free - FreemanArboretum.com HERITAGE HALL MUSEUM & ARCHIVES Open Memorial Day through Labor Day 605-925-7545 - heritagehallmuseum.com Located on U.S. Hwy 81, 35 miles north of Yankton ExperienceFreemanSD.com • 1-888-595-9755 Yankton, South Dakota – 29