This steel arch bridge crosses the Colorado near Marble Canyon between Bitter Springs and Jacob Lake. It is on U.S. Route 89A.
You cross it if you are on your way to hike Marble Canyon. http://www.toddshikingguide.com/Hikes/Arizona/GrandCanyon/Canyon11.htm
Back in the early pioneer days, the only way to cross the Colorado was on the ferry at Lee’s Ferry just upstream. This was an important crossing since it was the only crossing for 600 miles.
In the 1920’s the ferry service was not satisfactory and talk began about building a bridge to replace it. Finally the bridge was completed in 1929 and at the time was considered one of the highest and longest bridges in the country. It is 834’ long, the arch is 616’ and it is 467’ above the river. 500 cubic yards of concrete, 2.4 million pounds of steel and 82 thousand pounds of rebar were used in its construction. Total cost was $390.000.
By the 1990s, increased traffic made this old bridge inadequate, it was only 18’ wide so a new one was built right beside the old one. The new bridge is just a few feet longer but it is the same type of construction and it is 44’ wide. It was built in 1994 and cost almost $15 million.
Today the old bridge is open for foot traffic only and a visitor center is on the west side. This is a great spot to stretch your legs, enjoy views down the canyon and watch rafters on the river below. The old Navajo bride is the one Hayduke attempted to blow up in Edward Abby's novel The Monkeywrench Gang.
For more detailed information go to: http://www.nps.gov/glca/historyculture/navajobridge.htm
Will last crossed here in June 2011.
Now of course US89 also crosses the Colorado on a bridge beside Glen Canyon Dam by Page. http://www.highestbridges.com/wiki/index.php?title=Glen_Canyon_Dam_Bridge
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