The long awaited bridge that spans the Gibson Rail Yards opened to traffic February 15th 1937. The bridge was in the minds of many citizens for some ten years, before it materialized. Had it not been for the persistence of city officials from East Chicago, the bridge may not have been built. The bridge and approaches are five eights of a mile in total distance, making it the longest viaduct in the state of Indiana. It can also be noted that the nine span bridge at one time was reported to be the longest bridge over dry land in the nation.
Built at a cost of some $750,000, using federal and state money. The towering steel and concrete span dominates the city skyline and serves as a visual landmark for many. The bridge upon completion allows the linking of the cities of Hammond and East Chicago, via the new state highway. This new route connects the two cities which were once isolated with the building of the Gibson Rail Yards some 25 years ago.
