The Drive Along Kansas' Mile-Long Bridge Is Unlike Any Other
By Clarisa|Published July 03, 2019
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Clarisa
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Born and raised Kansan, Clarisa has lived in both tiny towns and cities during their time here in the Sunflower State. As a busy mother of one crazy kid, two cats, and two geckos, they write whenever there is spare time.
We love to visit all of the “world’s largest” and “Kansas’s largest” things that call Kansas their home. This mile-long bridge in Kansas is the largest in the whole state, and leaves plenty of time to enjoy the view on either side. It spans a beautiful reservoir and river, and we love making a side trip to cross it whenever we’re in the area. Have you ever crossed the longest bridge in Kansas before?
Welcome to Tuttle Creek Lake, a reservoir in the Manhattan area of Kansas attached to the Big Blue River near Randolph, KS.
While Riley County is home to many small towns, it is also the home of the largest bridge in Kansas, the mile-long Randolph Bridge that crosses the river/reservoir between two small towns, Randolph and Olsburg.
It's open to traffic, and has been well kept by the state since it was built in 1962. It's about 28 feet wide, and the last recorded average daily traffic is about 600.
Overlooking the beautiful reservoir and river, you'll find that this is one bridge that's perfect for sunset reflection photography. I don't think people will mind if you drive a little slower to take in the beauty of yet another gorgeous spot in our state.
Our favorite views are when the water is high enough to cover most of the structures holding up the bridge, but the water level varies along with drought conditions and recent rains.
Have you ever driven this mile long bridge before? If you make a habit of driving over Kansas bridges, tell us in the comments which are your favorite! The water has been pretty high lately due to the recent flooding we’ve had, but hopefully soon it will go back to a beautiful mile-long bridge with plenty of scenery on either side.
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