Welcome to High Bridge, a remarkable piece of Wisconsin’s industrial and recreational history that stands proudly in Eau Claire. Known officially as the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha Railway Bridge, this 900-foot-long structure was completed in 1881, soaring more than 80 feet above the Chippewa River. It was manufactured by the Leighton Bridge & Iron Works of New York, a company renowned for its pioneering use of iron in an era dominated by wood and stone. The construction of High Bridge marked a significant advance in bridge engineering, featuring an iron lattice deck truss design. This was a technological marvel of its time, representing an era when railroads were the lifeblood of American expansion and commerce.
Over the years, High Bridge has witnessed the evolution of its surroundings. Originally built to accommodate a single railroad track, it served as a crucial artery for trains until 1992, facilitating not just the movement of goods but also the exchange of ideas and cultures. Once abandoned, it was purchased by the city of Eau Claire in 2007 and repurposed as a pedestrian and bicycle bridge, reopening in 2015 as part of the Chippewa River State Trail. This transformation is a testament to the city’s commitment to preserving its historical structures while adapting them for modern use.
High Bridge’s historical significance has not gone unnoticed. In 2016, it was recognized as a local landmark, and in 2024, it was added to the State Register of Historic Places. This designation offers the bridge added protection and highlights its importance as one of the last surviving examples of a quintuple lattice truss bridge in the world.
The bridge has not been without its challenges. In June 2021, structural issues were discovered, prompting a closure and a $3 million restoration effort. The repairs, completed in 2022, ensured that High Bridge could continue to serve the community safely, while preserving its historical integrity. This effort was recognized with a Historic Preservation Award from the Wisconsin Historical Society in 2023.
High Bridge is not just a structure; it is a storyteller. It has witnessed the rise and fall of the industrial age, the transition from rail to trail, and the ongoing journey of a community that values its past while looking to the future. As you cross this historic bridge, imagine the countless trains that once rumbled across its span, the workers who built and maintained it, and the citizens who fought to preserve it. Each step you take is a walk through history, a celebration of human ingenuity and resilience.
