Contributed by The Bell Street Bridge Historical CommitteeCourtisy of Glendive chamber of Commerece Bell Street Bridge a pedestrian and bicycle trail over the Yellowstone River.... bridging the past and the future in Glendive About the bridge.... It is constructed of six steel and concrete spans, each 219 feet long, with 40 feet of approach on each end. The floor is 20 feet wide and offers 18 feet inside from curb to curb. The piers extend 30 feet below the surface of the river down through sandstone formations into shale. The total cost of completion was $305,000 -- half paid by the federal government and half paid by Dawson County. Local newspaper articles chart the early progress... August 10, 1923: "Voters overwhelmingly approve construction of a modern steel bridge in a special election." January 24, 1924: "Congressman Scott Levitt presents bill to Congress to allow Yellowstone bridge to be constructed." February 7, 1924: "Levitt's bill passes Congress." February 11, 1924: "The bill is signed by President Calvin Coolidge." June 12, 1924: "The construction contract is awarded to Bloomer McGuire and Blakeslee of Great Falls for $273,939." August 10, 1924: "Construction is started." November 14, 1925: "Thus the opening of the longest, strongest and most securely built bridge over the historic Yellowstone River passed into history on Saturday." Be our guest... take the walk that has served the founders of Dawson County and know the beauty of the Yellowstone as they saw it from the Bell Street Bridge river crossing. Travelers are invited to walk the 1,300 foot-long steel truss structure and enjoy the wildlife that can be seen along the banks of the Yellowstone River. The days of motor traffic ended on Bell Street Bridge in 1992. However, its vital role as a pedestrian crossing continues to safeguard the citizens of Dawson County and visitors as they travel between the business and residential community of West Glendive and the City of Glendive on opposite sides of the Yellowstone River. In the years to come, Bell Street Bridge will be returned to its original glory. Its steel superstructure will be painted and concrete repaired to enhance its long-life, its historical value, and the safety of pedestrians crossing the scenic Yellowstone River. The Bell Street Bridge Historical Committee: Les Ollerman Judy Reddig Ardelle Adams Billie Haag Louise Cross John Trangmoe Mark Erickson The Bell Street Historical Committee 200 North Merrill Avenue Box 930 - Room 1 Glendive, Montana 59330 PHONE: (406)365-5601
Contributed by The Bell Street Bridge Historical Committee 