The historic BNSF bridge, a prominent fixture connecting Bismarck and Mandan for nearly 144 years, is currently being dismantled. As crews work to remove the aging structure, Mandan city leaders are developing plans to preserve significant pieces of its history within the community.
While the bridge's iron components will not be reused, the city aims to reclaim and repurpose some of the original granite blocks that formed the bridge’s piers. These massive stones hold substantial weight and dimensions, as described by Mandan City Administrator Jim Neubauer. He noted the blocks are "three feet wide by five feet long" and weigh "about 1,200 pounds a piece," highlighting their considerable size and presence.
Mandan is considering several concepts for these reclaimed granite blocks, primarily focusing on their integration into a new welcome plaza. One key idea involves transforming the stones into functional elements such as seating or tabletops within this planned plaza. The proposed location for this new community space is along the east end of Memorial Highway, creating a visible and accessible point for residents and visitors. Beyond practical use, city leaders also envision historical displays within the plaza. These exhibits would aim to visually represent what the BNSF bridge looked like in its prime and indicate its former position spanning the Missouri River, preserving its visual legacy for future generations.
According to Neubauer, the preservation effort is deeply important to the community, reflecting a shared connection to the long-standing landmark. He explained that residents frequently recognize images of the bridge and associate it with local experiences, whether recalling trains traversing its span or navigating boats underneath its arches. Neubauer acknowledged a widespread sentiment of regret among locals regarding the bridge's removal, stating that people are "sad to see it come down." This initiative seeks to transform that sentiment into a tangible link to the area's heritage.
The project has already secured initial financial support through a grant from the State Historical Society, which will aid in funding the development. However, several critical steps remain before construction can begin. City officials still need to secure the necessary property for the welcome plaza and finalize the detailed design plans.
Mandan City Administrator Jim Neubauer anticipates presenting the comprehensive plans for the plaza to city commissioners in the coming months. If approved, construction on the project could potentially commence next summer, bringing these pieces of Bismarck-Mandan history into a new community setting for residents to appreciate for years to come.
