Chances are you’ve seen quite a few photographs of the iconic Perrine Bridge in Twin Falls, Idaho. This bridge is one of our state’s most famous landmarks. Photographers love it, and it represents an important time in Twin Falls history. It’s hard to even imagine the Snake River Canyon without it. These historic photographs of the Perrine Bridge Construction are sure to blow you away. Looking back at one of Idaho’s most famous sights being constructed is definitely a weird feeling!
It's likely that you've seen several photographs of the Perrine Bridge like the one below. With bright blue skies and the majestic Snake River below, this is a sight that many Idahoans are familiar with. It's hard to imagine the canyon without the bridge but these old photos will give you a good idea of what it looked like.
This is what the bridge looked like at the very beginning of construction. The workers probably didn't think about how this was going to become one of the most popular spots for Idaho photographers and even BASE jumpers!
The Perrine Bridge didn't always have that name. In its early days it was actually known as the Twin Falls-Jerome Intercounty Bridge. The bridge's construction was privately financed and it acted as a toll bridge until 1940.
A lot of people don't realize that the bridge they see today is actually a completely different bridge than the one in these pictures. Over the years, the bridge became outdated and needed replacing. Construction for the new Perrine Bridge began in May 1973 and that is the one that exists today. The old bridge was disassembled.
The bridge was named after I.B. Perrine who is credited for leading many irrigation projects in the Magic Valley during the early 20th century. He is also known as the founder of the city of Twin Falls. Idaho would probably look a lot different without his efforts!
The construction of the bridge was a prominent part of Idaho history. At the time, Idahoans had very limited options when it came to crossing the Snake River. The closest bridge crossing was at least eight miles outside of Twin Falls.
Decades after the original bridge opened, it began to fall into an extreme state of disrepair. Weight limits were put on vehicles that crossed the bridge and many of the bridge's parts became corroded or broken—some even fell into the canyon below and can still be found in certain areas of the canyon to this day.
Although the original bridge had to be put to rest, its construction represents an incredible time for Idaho. Idahoans have enjoyed the marvelous sight of the bridge stretching across the Snake River Canyon for over 90 years, with many more years to come.
It’s hard to believe the Perrine Bridge is nearing a century old. She’s looking as beautiful as ever! Have you ever wondered what Idaho looked like 100 years ago? Take a look at these old photographs from that time period here.
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