Logan Vettel

Minot

Have you ever noticed the long wooden bridge towering over the railroad tracks? Ever wondered its name, how old it is, and have you ever walked it? Well, I have, and I want to tell you about the Anne Street Bridge and its importance to the community.

Anne Street Bridge’s history starts with a temporary footbridge spanning the Great Northern railroad and the Mouse River. In 1908, the city decided to make a new bridge; however, in April, G.N. tore it down because it was on G.N. property without the company’s permission.

In September, G.N. agreed to a foot viaduct. They would split the costs. Minot, with the help of Erik Ramstad, paid $1895.00.

They used wood from the 1908 bridge, finishing in under a year.

In 1920, the bridge was modified, adding ramps on either side.

During the flood of 2011, the bridge took damage and was temporarily shut down.

Summer 2018, it was closed again to complete a greenway and a dike (that I call the zombie wall). It remains closed to this day.

When I was little, everything was trains. I always wanted to view trains going down the tracks. I had limited visibility on Broadway and Third Street; I could only see in one direction. Anne Street Bridge met my requirements. Good view in either direction, safe, and I saw trains.

The Anne Street Bridge is older than any of us, making it a connection to the past. It is very important to those who live nearby, because it provides a safe route to downtown Minot. Also, it is the place where I watched trains. The bridge should be a treasured landmark, kept up to standards for all to enjoy.

Vettel is a seventh-grader at Erik Ramstad Middle School.