The Four Bears Bridge crosses the Missouri River, where the river is widened by Garrison Dam to create Lake Sakakawea. The 4,500’ long bridge has typical spans of 316’ for design and construction efficiencies and to minimize the bridge’s impact on the environment. The design was developed through the FIGG Bridge Design Charette™ process to gain input from tribal representatives and local citizens. Shapes, colors, icons, and images that are important in the Three Affiliated Tribes cultural history create a design that is contextually sensitive to the Native American environment.