The Tridge: Michigan’s Most Unique Three-Way Pedestrian Bridge

When it comes to unique bridges in Michigan, aside from the Mackinac Bridge, The Tridge is probably the most unique bridge that you'll find.

The Tridge is a three-legged wooden footbridge spanning the confluence of the Tittabawassee and Chippewa Rivers in Chippewassee Park in Midland.

Constructed in 1981, this one-of-a-kind pedestrian bridge is one of Midland's biggest tourist attractions. People come from not only all over the state but from all over the country to see it.

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How Big is The Tridge?

According to the City of Midland, each leg of The Tridge extends for 180 feet and has one 31-foot tall central pillar supporting all three. The decking of the footbridge is 8 feet wide.

Even though it's considered a footbridge, bicycles, skateboards, and in-line skates are also allowed on the bridge.

How Much Did it Cost to Build The Tridge?

When the bridge was built in 1981, the total cost was $972,000. When The Tridge was renovated in 2017, it cost an estimated $2.7 million.

When the bridge went through that major renovation, they replaced the wood decking, re-stained it, replaced the railing posts and overhead cross beams, replaced the arch lights with a new programmable color-changing LED system, and added benches to the center of it.

I've honestly never seen anything like this. For all I know, it's the only one of its kind.

It's crazy to think that people come from all over the country to see The Tridge. Yet, I've lived in Michigan my entire life and had no idea that it even existed until now.