The Unique Hite Crossing Bridge On Highway 95 Is The Only One Of Its Kind In Utah
By Courtnie Erickson|Published November 01, 2022
×
Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
Here in Utah, we don’t have many large and extraordinary bridges, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have some that take our breath away. Located on Scenic Byway U.S. 95 near Blanding, you will find the unique Hite Crossing Bridge. This beautiful bridge stands out among the red rock and was quite the engineering feat to build. Today, it is still a one-of-a-kind bridge in Utah and one that you will want to learn a little more about.
The Colorado River is one of the most important rivers in Utah. Approximately 27 percent of water used in the Beehive State comes from this river.
The Colorado River is quite impressive, especially when compared to other rivers in the Beehive State. In southern Utah, this river winds through red rock and desert landscapes, creating quite a beautiful picture.
This bridge carries drivers on U.S. 95 over the Colorado River. This bridge is the only bridge that crosses the Colorado River for nearly 295 miles and it sits approximately 200 feet above the water.
This bridge was named after Cass Hite, a prospector in the area in the 1880s. At the time, he created a ford in the river which was known as “Dandy Crossing.” This became the safest area to cross the Colorado River at the time. Eventually, a ferry was completed that would take individuals across the river.
The Hite Crossing Bridge was completed in 1966 and cost around $3 million to build. Today, it is a welcome sight as you drive through the desert landscape.
In such a unique location, this one-of-a-kind bridge in Utah is certainly going to leave you impressed. Stop and take a picture before you pass it by — the entire area is absolutely gorgeous.
Have you ever crossed the Hite Crossing Bridge on U.S. 95? Did you know this is the only bridge that crosses the Colorado River for nearly 300 miles? Let us know in the comments and if you have any photos, we’d love to see those too!
If you want to check out another bridge in Utah that is a bit unique and very scary, check out the Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.