Joe Dice Swinging Bridge

Phase I of the Joe Dice Bridge rehabilitation has been completed!  

Hilty Quarries of Clinton, MO was chosen as the contractor, and a completion date was scheduled for July 31, 2007 but reconstruction progressed faster than expected and the Joe Dice Swinging Bridge was reopened July 1, 2007 with a “chain cutting” ceremony.

Joe Dice Swinging Bridge Phase I Complete

Mayor Ken Brown, State Senator Delbert Scott,

City Administrator/Planner Randy Pogue reopen

the bridge with a  “chain cutting” ceremony

Original cable pulley wheels, and wooden rollers,

used  for bridge construction were on display from

the Benton County Museum

Warsaw Scout Troop leads procession

after chain cutting ceremony

Open to the public, the Joe Dice Swinging bridge

will play a vital role in future walking & biking trails

PHASE I Construction Photos

Phase I consisted of structural replacement of the deck steel frame, new Cyprus wood deck and new rail bracing and safety fence.  This phase is funded by a TEA-21 Enhancement grant of $482,000, federally appropriated funding of $128,903 and matching funds from the City of Warsaw of $114,971.98 for a total project cost of $725,874.98.

Phase II of the project will consist of lighting, painting, and improvements to the entryway to the bridge. 

Bridge History

The Joe Dice Swinging Bridge was one of three “Swingers” used in the Warsaw area.  Originally referred to as the Upper Bridge, it was built in 1904. In 1924 the bridge was destroyed by a tornado, and then rebuilt in 1928. It remained in use for automotive traffic until 1979, when it was replaced by the 7 Highway bridge.

The swinging bridge was used exclusively for foot traffic until 2000, at which time conditions required it to be closed until repairs could be made.

It’s also one of five remaining bridges built by Joseph A. Dice.  This self-taught engineer didn't finish the fourth grade and never used blueprints to build any of the original 31 suspension bridges.

Placed on the National Historical Register on September 17, 1999, the "Upper Bridge" is the last of 15 swinging bridges that once crossed the Osage River linking the Great Lakes with the Gulf of Mexico. 

Produced in cooperation with the

Missouri Division of Tourism