The Tridge
Encyclopedia
The Tridge is the formal name of a three-way footbridge
above the confluence of the Chippewa
and Tittabawassee
Rivers near downtown Midland, Michigan
, in the Tri-Cities
. The bridge was constructed in 1981 at a cost of $732,000 and took 6,400 hours of labor.
The site also marks the starting point of the Pere Marquette Rail Trail. Although being mainly a footbridge, bicycles, skateboards, and in-line skates are also allowed on the bridge. 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 in the past two decades, and is the most famous landmark of the downtown area. Each year on Labor Day
, the Tridge mimics the Mackinac Bridge
to the north, in hosting a "Labor Day walk". 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 100 yards north of the Tridge in Chippewassee Park. Nearby are Pizza Sam's, a pizza and ice-cream shop, and Espresso Milano, a coffee shop.
Footbridge
A footbridge or pedestrian bridge is a bridge designed for pedestrians and in some cases cyclists, animal traffic and horse riders, rather than vehicular traffic. Footbridges complement the landscape and can be used decoratively to visually link two distinct areas or to signal a transaction...
above the confluence of the Chippewa
Chippewa River (Michigan)
The Chippewa River is a stream in the U.S. state of Michigan that runs through the central Lower Peninsula. The Chippewa is a tributary of the Tittabawassee River and is thus part of the Saginaw River drainage basin...
and Tittabawassee
Tittabawassee River
The Tittabawassee River is a stream which flows in a generally southeasterly direction through the Lower Peninsula of the U.S. state of Michigan. The river begins at Secord Lake in Clement Township, at the confluence of the East Branch and the Middle Branch...
Rivers near downtown Midland, Michigan
Midland, Michigan
Midland is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan in the Tri-Cities region of the state. It is the county seat of Midland County. The city's population was 41,863 as of the 2010 census. It is the principal city of the Midland Micropolitan Statistical Area....
, in the Tri-Cities
Tri-Cities (Michigan)
The name Tri-Cities refers to two regions in the U.S. state of Michigan. Both are located in the Lower Peninsula.-The Greater Tri-Cities Region:The larger and more well known Tri-Cities is the region surrounding the cities of Saginaw, Bay City, and Midland...
. The bridge was constructed in 1981 at a cost of $732,000 and took 6,400 hours of labor.
The site also marks the starting point of the Pere Marquette Rail Trail. Although being mainly a footbridge, bicycles, skateboards, and in-line skates are also allowed on the bridge. 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 in the past two decades, and is the most famous landmark of the downtown area. Each year on Labor Day
Labor Day
Labor Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the first Monday in September that celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers.-History:...
, the Tridge mimics the Mackinac Bridge
Mackinac Bridge
The Mackinac Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Straits of Mackinac to connect the non-contiguous Upper and Lower peninsulas of the U.S. state of Michigan. Opened in 1957, the bridge is the third longest in total suspension in the world and the longest suspension bridge between anchorages...
to the north, in hosting a "Labor Day walk". 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 100 yards north of the Tridge in Chippewassee Park. Nearby are Pizza Sam's, a pizza and ice-cream shop, and Espresso Milano, a coffee shop.