Final answer:
The Eads Bridge solved problems related to expensive overland transportation, slow ferry boats, and the reduction of accidents involving steamboats colliding with bridge structures over the Mississippi River.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Eads Bridge solved several significant problems related to transporting goods and people across the Mississippi River. Primarily, it addressed the issue of moving goods across the river. Prior to the construction of the bridge, moving goods was highly expensive, often costing as much to transport a ton of goods thirty miles overland as it did to ship the same amount to Europe. This was because the transportation system relied heavily on slow and sometimes hazardous steamboats, which were not only more dangerous, but also incapable of carrying large amounts of freight against the river currents.
The Eads Bridge also made the process of unloading and reloading trains that had to cross the river much quicker since trains could now pass directly over the bridge rather than being ferried across or their cargo being transported by other means. This solution enhanced the efficiency of the transportation network significantly. Lastly, by providing a stable structure over the river, the Eads Bridge reduced the incidents of steamboats colliding with bridge structures, which had been a frequent problem due to the steamboats' limited maneuverability and the precarious nature of prior bridges.