Prescott Rail and Lift Bridge Live Webcam โ Wisconsin
Watch the Prescott Rail and Lift Bridge live in real time โ an active freight railroad crossing over the St. Croix River in Prescott, Wisconsin, USA.
The Prescott Rail and Lift Bridge is a vertical-lift railroad bridge spanning the St. Croix River, which forms the border between Prescott, Wisconsin, and Point Douglas, Minnesota, USA. This bridge is used exclusively for freight rail and is part of an active Class I railway line operated by CPKC Rail (formerly Canadian Pacific Railway). Recognized for its historical and engineering importance, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 2017.
The current lift structure was built between 1955 and 1956 by the American Bridge Company, replacing an earlier bridge from 1910. Its central span is a vertical-lift truss that moves up and down between two steel towers using a counterweight system. This design provides the clearance needed for river traffic while ensuring the strength and reliability required for heavy freight trains. The lift mechanism is controlled from a small control room located directly on the bridge.
Today, the bridge remains a vital part of the regional logistics network, facilitating freight movement between Minnesota and Wisconsin. CPKC Rail maintains the bridge according to modern safety standards, preserving its function as an active industrial structure while highlighting its status as a mid-20th-century engineering landmark.
