Fairview Lift Bridge and Cartwright Tunnel

Both historical and unique in its design, the Old Fairview Bridge was built to accommodate both cars and trains—though not at the same time (now closed to vehicle and rail traffic) it stretches 1,320 feet across the Yellowstone River and has been turned into a walkway. The Old Fairview Bridge and Cartwright Tunnel Trail is now open to pedestrians and cyclists to cross the Yellowstone River in North Dakota just east of Fairview, Montana.

In addition, the Cartwright Tunnel is another unusual feature of this short trail. The tunnel is 1,458 feet long and was built in 1912 and 1913—most of the digging having been done by hand. Horse- and mule-drawn machinery, along with blasting materials, were also used.

The bridge and tunnel were built by the Great Northern Railroad for its Montana Eastern Railway, which was never finished. The bridge is handicap accessible. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Parking and Trail Access

Parking is available at Sundheim Park on the west bank of the Yellowstone River. Take State Route 200 and at the park's access road, head south.