"Y" Bridge

Galena, Missouri - Photos courtesy of David Backlin

The Galena "Y" bridge's unusual configuration has landed it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. It's near Missouri 413 in the Stone County seat, crossing the James River. It was built in 1927, using concrete made from sand and gravel from the river bed just below.

The unique "Y" configuration accomodated a curve on then-highway 43, later Missouri 13. The "Y" is actually a split at one end of a longer span across the James River. If you saw it on a map, it would look like a "Y" turned on its side, open to the east.

In 1987, Missouri 13 was rerouted onto a new bridge just to the north. Missouri 13 was redesignated Missouri 413 in 2000.

David Backlin took these photos of the bridge in April 2004.

Photos of the Galena "Y" bridge

A Closer Look

This is a larger version of the photo on this page, which looks east, showing the split at the "Y". This photo was taken on the bridge itself, which is still open for pedestrians.

Looking North

This is another perspective, showing the north branch of the "Y" and a little bit of the south branch. Missouri 413 can be seen in the background.

The West End

This photo was taken from the west end of the span, looking east, showing the length of the main part of the bridge over the James River.

The North Branch of the Y

This perspective shows the north branch of the "Y", along with a sign describing the history of the bridge. The bridge is still in use, just not for motorized traffic.

The South Branch of the Y

This is a view of the south segment of the "Y".

Looking Up

This perspective is from the James River, looking up, showing the height and length of the bridge's main span.

The Bridge's Story

This sign, at the north branch of the bridge, describes some of its history.

Mark Roberts
Denver, Colorado
E-mail: Please see the Contact Information page.

All photographs at this web site were taken by the late David Backlin, who granted permission to use these photos at this site.