Sorlie Memorial Bridge Explained

Sorlie Memorial Bridge
Location:E end of Demers Ave., Grand Forks, North Dakota and East Grand Forks, Minnesota
Coordinates:47.9269°N -97.0279°W
Built:1929
Area:less than
Architect:Minneapolis Bridge Co.
Architecture:Parker through truss bridge
Added:July 19, 1999
Refnum:99000844

The Sorlie Memorial Bridge, also known as the Red River Bridge, was constructed in 1929 by the Minneapolis Bridge Company to connect the cities of Grand Forks, North Dakota and East Grand Forks, Minnesota. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.

The Sorlie Memorial Bridge replaced a swing bridge on the same site that was built in 1889. It is a Parker through truss bridge with two truss spans and rides on rails to accommodate the ever-changing banks of the Red River of the North. The Sorlie Memorial Bridge was named for North Dakota's 14th governor, Arthur G. Sorlie. Plaques on either end identify Sorlie as "a true friend of better roads and bridges." At the time, the bridge was the only vehicular crossing in the area, and was important for carrying U.S. Route 2, a transcontinental route. It is the oldest documented Parker truss design in the state, and its two spans of are the longest riveted Parker through trusses in the state.[1]

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Notes and References

  1. Web site: [{{NRHP url|id=99000844}} NRHP Inventory-Nomination: Sorlie Memorial Bridge / Red River Bridge ; 32GF279 ]. Mark Hufstetler. December 10, 1996 . National Park Service. and