Location: Grand River Interurban Bridges, Grand Rapids, MI

These are views of two interurban railroad bridges over the Grand River in Grand Rapids.

The trestle bridge (top) was used by the Grand Rapids street railway to cross the river. This bridge either was a swing bridge at one time, or was built in a way which a swing span could be added. The bridge is higher above water level than many bridges because it also spanned over the Pere Marquette main line and an adjacent highway.

The wider bridge was used by the Michigan Railway for interurban trains and was double-tracked during its brief period from 1915 to 1928 when it was abandoned. When constructed, this was a well-built electric railway which used a 3rd rail for power.

Image info:  2002 [Tim Shannahan]. 2nd photo, the Michigan Railway bridge shortly after the track was removed in 1933. Note the trestle work in each direction at the end of the bridge. [Grand Rapids City Archives]

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Time Line