Material Wood Address Midland, MI 48640, USA Opened 1981 Location Midland | Construction cost $732,000 Construction started 1980 Total length 165 m Bridge type Arch bridge | |
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Carries Pedestrian and bicycle traffic Similar Three‑way bridge, Dow Gardens, Chippewa Nature Center, Alden Dow House and Studio, Dow Diamond | ||
The Tridge is the formal name of a three-way wooden footbridge spanning the confluence of the Chippewa and Tittabawassee Rivers near downtown Midland, Michigan, in the Tri-Cities region. Named as a portmanteau of "tri" and "bridge", the structure opened in 1981. It consists of one 31-foot (9.4 m) tall central pillar supporting three spokes. Each spoke is 180 feet (55 m) long by 8 feet (2.4 m) wide.
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History
The bridge was constructed in 1981 at the instigation of the Midland Area Community Foundation (MACF). The bridge cost $732,000 to build, and took 6,400 hours of labor. Ten railroad car loads of prefabricated wood, and 337 cubic yards (258 m3) of concrete were used to construct three arches, which weigh 44,000 pounds (20,000 kg) apiece. Each appendage is 180 by 8 feet (54.9 by 2.4 m). Gerace Construction Company worked on the project. As a symbol, the bridge has been popularized and is the subject, for example, of lithographs.
Recreation
The Tridge is a tourist attraction. It and its two surrounding parks—35 acres (14 ha) in Chippewassee and St. Charles parks—are one of the most popular leisure areas downtown. The 3.5-mile (5.6 km) Chippewa Nature Trail begins at the bridge.
The site also marks the starting point of the Pere Marquette Rail Trail, a Michigan Rails to Trails Conservancy Hall of Fame trail. Although being mainly a footbridge, bicycles, skateboards, and in-line skates are also allowed on the bridge. It is the focal point for summer evening concerts. Fishing is generally not permitted from the bridge although it does occur frequently.
The Tridge, located beside the Midland farmers market, has become an icon of the city, and is the most famous landmark of the downtown area. Each year, the Tridge mimics the Mackinac Bridge to the north, in hosting a "Labor Day walk". The festive annual event is sponsored by MACF and the Chippewa Nature Center, and led by the mayor of Midland. In addition, St. Charles Park, which surrounds the Tridge, is host to many public and private events. At night the bridge's arches are lit.
During summer evenings, the Tridge is a popular hangout spot for local teens largely because it is near the Downtown area and several popular areas. The Trilogy Skatepark is located just 300 feet (91 m) north of the Tridge in Chippewassee Park.
The Tridge was closed in November 2011 due to work on the rails-to-trails project, and the construction of a new canoe launch site. It was solemnly reported that: “Despite the construction, Santa Claus will still cross the Tridge into downtown Midland ... for the annual Midland County Courthouse lighting ceremony.”