Spokane in Spokane County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
Monroe Street Bridge
A Restored Treasure
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 2, 2015
1. Monroe Street Bridge Marker
An Icon Began to Crumble
For over a century the Monroe Street Bridge has symbolized Spokane's proud heritage. However by the turn of the 21st century increasing traffic, heavier loads, and decades of wind and weather had weakened the structure. This treasured landmark was falling apart.
A Successful Partnership
The effort to save the old bridge is the result of ten years of collaboration between the City of Spokane and various agencies, consultants, and contractors. The actual restoration began in January of 2003, and was completed in September 2005.
• phase 1: demolition and reconstruction of center arch
• phase 2: demolition and reconstruction of north arch and approach
• phase 3: demolition and reconstruction of south arch and approach
• phase 4: completion of pavilions, railings and lighting
• original portions of structure retained and repaired
Bridge Facts
• Original cost of constructing (1911): $535,000
• Labor-hours for bridge rehabilitation: 240,000
• Concrete used in the project: 7,100 cubic yards
• Reinforcing Steel: 500 tons
• Total cost of rehabilitation
this page online
11.8 million: Bridge Replacement Program
2 million: Transportation Improvement Program
3.2 million: City — Capital Street Program
1 million: Spokane Transit Authority and Utility Purveyors
• To protect the river from falling concrete debris, construction crews built a complex deck system below the bridge. Provisions were also included to meet air and water quality standards as well as contain and remove any hazardous materials.
• The large labor force applied their various trades to the project in year-round weather and often times perilous conditions with no serious injuries.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Bridges & Viaducts. A significant historical month for this entry is January 2003.
Location. 47° 39.586′ N, 117° 25.55′ W. Marker is in Spokane, Washington, in Spokane County. Marker is on West Spokane Falls Boulevard west of North Lincoln Street, on the right when traveling west. Marker is located beside the sidewalk, overlooking the subject Monroe Street Bridge. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Spokane WA 99201, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Symbol of Spokane (a few steps from this marker); The First Bridges (within shouting distance of this marker); Spokane River (within shouting distance of this marker); Abraham Lincoln
Courtesy of David Evans and Associates
2. Marker detail: Construction Platforms
Construction crews demolished and rebuilt the columns and spandrel arches in place.
Regarding Monroe Street Bridge. National Register of Historic Places #76001920.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Monroe Street Bridge
Also see . . . Monroe Street Bridge. Today the Monroe Street Bridge today looks very much as it did in 1911, thanks to the removal of the railroad bridge and a 2003-2005 reconstruction project. Reconstruction was necessary because by the 1990s the bridge had begun to drop large chucks of concrete into the river below. The rebuilding preserved the structural features from the original 1911 design, including Cutter and Malmgren’s life-size buffalo skulls, wagon wheels, wagon pavilions, and chain handrails that embody the pioneer spirit of Spokane’s earliest settlers. (Submitted on April 21, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Courtesy of David Evans and Associates
3. Marker detail: Arch & Column Restoration
Construction of the new columns along each side of the main arch nearing completion.
Courtesy of David Evans and Associates
4. Marker detail: New Traffic Deck
Courtesy of David Evans and Associates
5. Marker detail: It’s All in the Details
The original pavilions' features were preserved and re-constructed through a series of molds.
An original, deteriorated, bison skull was used as a pattern to create a mold. Concrete was poured into the mold to produce a "duplicate."
The cast bison skull is removed from the mold (above left). The "new" skull installed on the pavilion looks just like the original!
An original, deteriorated, bison skull was used as a pattern to create a mold. Concrete was poured into the mold to produce a "duplicate."
The cast bison skull is removed from the mold (above left). The "new" skull installed on the pavilion looks just like the original!
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 2, 2015
6. Monroe Street Bridge Marker
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 2, 2015
7. Monroe Street Bridge
Credits. This page was last revised on April 21, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 20, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 155 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on April 21, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
