Fort Madison, Iowa Swing Bridge In Action 

“WHEN KLAXON SOUNDS AND RED LIGHT SHOWS, LOOK OUT FOR GATE” That was a sign on the bridge at each side just before the swing span. I remember that from the very early 1950’s. Even though they use a siren now I enjoyed seeing the gate come down in this video remembering seventy years ago as if it were yesterday. Thanks

Wonderful post. Thanks for doing the post.

I saw this Bridge Twenty Years ago. On My 2001 Summer Vacation. Great Video!!! F+L, Corey

I watch the Amtrak SW Chief cross this bridge everyday on the internet . When a barge crosses through, they open the bridge and the traffic is stopped on both sides, they refer to that as getting boated ! I am sure they don’t open that bridge for free either. I’m sure it costs these barge owners a lot of money each year and with these tolls they charge the vehicles that also cross each day, it has to take in a good amount of money each day. It seems like all that revenue could be used to keep that bridge in excellent condition. I am always fascinated watching it open. I want to travel to Ft. Madison someday and see it in person.

Several years ago, I was the first car in line from the Iowa side that was stopped. A barge took quite a while to get through. I have some great pictures. When I crossed, there were two westbounds waiting.

Awesome structure!

If I ever win the lottery I plan a trip to see that place and spend time there and watch a lot of trains while I'm there

Is the bridge manned 24 hours a day, or is it automatic? Just asking because I cant see a cabin on it

Can you imagine how much rail traffic will have to be detoured if that bridge ever has to be replaced. And some say she's falling apart now.

I see it everyday my home town

I was wondering of all the years this bridge has been operating, how many kids have snuck on and gone for a ride on it! Seems like one of those things that if you grew up there that would be the big dare!!

Great action. Thanks for the view of watching a piece of equipment like this in action!!

What happens if you've stalled in the middle when it's about to open

swimming lesson start when gates go down

Also for trains?

I cross this bridge 3-times every day! I understand the excitement for those seeing it for the first time. Fact is everyone around here is tired of it as the bridge will be 100 years old in 2027 and it's age is showing. There all always at least one BNSF truck parked on the bridge, it seems in the day time, getting ready to do whatever needs to be done to keep it going. I have my doubt's when BNSF eventually replaces the bridge, if the new one will have a hard deck (road surface) for passenger cars to cross, at least this is what I've heard from several people. Pay toll is $2 coming from Iowa to Illinois and free the other way. At this time though, because of Covid 19 toll has been suspended for several months. This is a big help for me as I spend around $150.00 a month in toll fee's crossing this bridge and I hear it will most likely be raised to $3 sometime in the near future. I calculated between the toll and time lost that this bridge cost me over $400 a month in toll and labor lost. I will be moving to Iowa soon and can honestly say for now I won't miss this aging piece of Iron at all.

Wouldn't it have been cheaper and more economical to just build a higher bridge?