Perrine Bridge

Infobox Bridge
bridge_name= Perrine Bridge


caption=
official_name= I.B. Perrine Bridge
carries= 4 lanes of US-93
crosses= Snake River
locale= Twin Falls, Idaho
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id=
design=
mainspan=
length= convert|1500|ft|m|0
width=
height=
load=
clearance=
below= convert|486|ft|m|0
traffic=
open= 1974
closed=
toll=
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map_

map_text=
map_width=
coordinates= The I. B. Perrine Bridge at Twin Falls, Idaho is a four-lane span carrying U.S. Highway 93 over the Snake River Canyon. The bridge serves as the Twin Falls area's main link to Jerome County and Interstate 84.

Originally named the "Twin Falls-Jerome Intercounty Bridge", Perrine Bridge is approximately convert|1500|ft|m|0 long and convert|486|ft|m|0 above the Snake River. The original bridge was opened to traffic in September 1927 and at the time was the highest bridge in the world. The bridge was originally a toll bridge, but the tolls proved unpopular and were eliminated in 1940.

By the early 1970s the original bridge was outdated and unable to handle heavy loads and required replacement. Construction on the current bridge was completed in 1974.

Perrine Bridge is the only man-made structure in the United States where BASE jumping is allowed year-round without a permit. As such it is a popular destination for BASE jumping enthusiasts, who often refer to it as Potato Bridge.

Adjacent to the south end of the bridge is a parking area with a visitors' center, which allows for easy access to the bridge. To the east, along the south rim of the canyon, lies the dirt ramp used by Evel Knievel when he unsuccessfully attempted to jump the canyon on his motorcycle in 1974.

The bridge is named for I. B. Perrine, who spearheaded the early 20th Century irrigation projects in Idaho's Magic Valley region. Perrine is largely credited as the main founder of Twin Falls.

External links

* [http://www.visitidaho.org/thingstodo/attractions.aspx?attractionid=30834 VisitIdaho.org's Perrine Bridge page]
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