Baudette–Rainy River International Bridge

The Baudette – Rainy River International Bridge is an international bridge connecting Rainy River, Ontario, Canada, with Baudette, Minnesota, United States, across the Rainy River.

The bridge marks the western terminus of Ontario Highway 11 (as Atwood Avenue) and the northern terminus of Minnesota State Highway 72 (International Drive). The bridge is owned by Ontario and Minnesota, and is managed by MTO (with funding from the Government of Canada) and MnDOT, respectively. The bridge carries 2 lanes of traffic and a 1.8 metres (5.9 ft) sidewalk for pedestrian traffic. Customs plazas are located on both sides of the bridge.

Downriver from the bridge is Baudette-Rainy River Rail Bridge, built in 1901 for Ontario and Rainy River Railway and now used by CN Rail.

Replacement

A new replacement bridge has been completed and opened to traffic in October 2020. Destruction of the old structure has begun and is expected to be completed by fall 2021 when a Grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting ceremony for the new bridge will take place.

Border crossing

The Baudette–Rainy River Border Crossing connects the cities of Baudette, Minnesota and Rainy River, Ontario at the Baudette–Rainy River International Bridge. The Port of Entry was established in 1960 when the International Bridge was completed. Prior to 1960, the cities were connected via point-to-point ferry service as well as a railroad bridge.

References

1. Rainy River, Ontario
2. Rainy River (Minnesota–Ontario)
3. Baudette, Minnesota
4. Baudette–Rainy River Border Crossing
5. International Bridge
6. Ontario Highway 11
7. Baudette fire of 1910
8. Minnesota State Highway 72
9. MOM's Way
10. List of Canada–United States border crossings
11. Beaver Mills Lumber Company
12. Minnesota State Highway 11
13. Canada–United States border
14. Theodore H. Rowell
15. Enclave and exclave
16. List of museums in Minnesota
17. List of Ontario provincial highways