description Harahan Bridge Overview
The Harahan Bridge is a cantilever truss bridge spanning the Mississippi River, connecting Memphis, Tennessee, with West Memphis, Arkansas. Originally completed in 1916 to accommodate both railway and early automotive traffic, the structure historically featured narrow roadways cantilevered on the exterior of the main rail deck. Following decades of exclusively railway use, the bridge was repurposed in 2016 to include the Big River Crossing, creating one of the longest pedestrian and bicycle pathways in the United States.
help Harahan Bridge FAQ
Can pedestrians cross the Harahan Bridge?
Yes. Big River Crossing opened on the bridge's former northern roadway in 2016, providing a walking and cycling connection between Memphis, Tennessee, and West Memphis, Arkansas.
Do trains still use the Harahan Bridge?
Yes, the historic structure still carries two railway tracks across the Mississippi River. Union Pacific operates the rail portion while Big River Crossing occupies a separate cantilevered deck.
Why did the Harahan Bridge originally have roadways attached to it?
Two narrow wagonways were cantilevered from the railway bridge to carry road traffic between Tennessee and Arkansas. Motor vehicles used them until the nearby Memphis-Arkansas Bridge took over most highway traffic in 1949.
How long is the Harahan Bridge?
The complete structure is approximately 4,973 feet long, with a main span of about 790 feet. It opened to railway traffic in 1916 and was designed by bridge engineer Ralph Modjeski.
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