I forgot to include this in the first comment. The unique peirs are the architectural indentifier of a bridge built by the Lakeside Bridge & Steel Company. These peirs can also be seen on the old Morrilton Bridge over the Arkansas River which was built in 1919 by Lakeside. What is unique about this bridge is that AHTD began designing bridges full time in 1924 and from then on they had concrete abutments and peirs, but after the flood of 1927 they allowed this bridge to be built with metal peirs. Due to the wide spread destruction of roads and bridges from the flood some design standards were relaxed until 1930.
The Silver Bridge was built in 1929. It replaced an earlier 1896 bridge that was destroyed by the 1927 flood. Crawford County let the contract for the bridge to the Lakeside Bridge & Steel Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The bridge was originally to be a two span pratt through truss, but when it arrived and was assembled it was determined to be to short for the crossing and the bridge company then sent a thrid truss to be used in the crossing. That is why you will see extra details in portal on one of the bridges and none on the others. This information was gathered by the National Park Service as part of the HAER documetation and will continue this summer.
A couple views of the subject bridge looking west from the CXS right of way.
Bob Melville
Chili, NY
Mr. Hoop comments that this bridge is surely older than 1929. I wanted to elaborate on the features that might lead one to suspect this. Firstly, the construction of the piers...using boilerplate cylinders that are packed with rock and concrete was a construction technique used most generally prior to about 1920, although that style of construction has been used later. Secondly, the actual style of the trusses are such to indicate a design of also around 1920 or thereabouts, possibly even earlier.
I theorize that it is possible that while the actual bridge "may" have been put in place in or about the year 1930, if so, the bridge was made up of older "used" trusses supplied by the builder. This would explain the older style. It, however does not explain the old style of the piers, which would have had to have been built on the spot. A bridge this late (1930) more often than not had reinforced, poured concrete piers, in my opinion.
It is also possible that old county records are just inaccurate as to the actual build date of the bridge, and the 1929-30 date might just be when a remodeling took place.
In the Times Record newspaper yesterday was an article stating that about $40,000 had been pledged by the state (so far) for repairs to this bridge. So, hopefully we will see this bridge open again.
Those railroad cars have been on that bridge for quite a while, maybe even decades. I am assuming they were left there to prevent people walking out on the bridge.
The rail line appears to be abandoned on the north side of this bridge, in fact I don't think the rails extend much beyond the bridge, but on the east side, going east there appears to be some recent traffic, maybe a little.
The new v-lift bridge:
http://hardesty-hanover.com/projects/movable/vertical_lift/route7.asp
This bridge was replaced by a vertical lift bridge in the early 2000's.
This is a rare New Castle Bridge Co. span. The plaques say it was built in Indianapolis, but all references I have seen say they did'nt have their new plant up and running until 1902......so I beleive this one was built in New Castle. A plaque was a good way to advertise for future work, so if a move was in the works why would'nt you give the "new address". In 1905 they became the Central States Bridge Company. I hope to post some pics of this bridge soon.
There is a derelict Lafayette Bridge Co. thru truss with ponies on both ends sitting in the weeds just to the East of this bridge. I would say it's on the old alignment of SR3, and has been abandoned since '35 when this bridge was built. Tried to take pics last fall but could'nt get through overgrowth.
This is known as the Sharp's Ferry Bridge. I had hoped to take some pics of it when I was in Ocala on vacation in Feb....but never got out there.
theres this bridge in the woods nere the sherif station i was qurius obout it,it look's old it's got writeing on it it's white and tall so if you can e-m me back okay thank u so much...
There are apparently several truss bridges over Robidoux (pronounced RUBY-doe), Creek in this vicinity, but I am relatively confident that this photo is of this specific bridge. If this is incorrect, please let me know. This Warren pony with verticals and polygonal top chords was photographed in May, 2005.
Webmaster's note: The photo that was here has been incorporated into the main site.
These photos were taken in late May of 2005. A similar bridge on Hoch Road over Soldier Creek a few miles to the southeast was demolished a few years ago.
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Webmaster's note: The photos that were here have been incorporated into the main site.
UPDATE!
I just happened to be in the neighborhood of this bridge today and saw new signs posted bridge out ahead. I could see machinery in the vicinity and thought that they must be removing the old bridge, though I couldn’t imagine why unless it had maybe fallen in more than it already had. This bridge has been closed for many years and the road it’s on doesn’t really see much traffic anyway. (There’s a new bridge just downstream from it) so I was quite surprised to see that the old railings and deck had been removed and wood forms were in place where the collapsed portion had been.
THIS BRIDGE IS BEING REBUILT!
I found this very unusual, but I’m glad to see a historic bridge being repaired for a change rather than removed or replaced.
Webmaster's note: The photos that were here have been incorporated into the main site.
This bridge was indeed demolished a few years ago. The bridge you saw was likely the old railroad bridge.
This bridge certainly does still exist. I just saw it last week from Highway 70. It is no longer in use, but it is there and still pretty doggone impressive.
I am doing extensive historical research on this bridge.
Searching for any old photographs and fascinating old stories pertaining to this bridge. Without a doubt, this bridge was built BEFORE 1929!
Here are a few more pictures of Denniston Bridge. The photo of the plaque isn’t very good, but reads Built By Massillon Bridge Co. 1884.
The last picture is the floor from underneath, As you can see from the deck photos there are old road signs nailed to the deck. These are patches for some rather large holes in the floor. Makes driving over it just a little more scary!
Webmaster's note: The photos that were here have been incorporated into the main site.
Here's a link with info about decommissioned IN 303:
The Grand streetcar crossed this bridge. The normal location for streetcar tracks was in the middle of the street, but as the tracks approached this bridge they shifted to the curb line. This permitted the use of lighter floorbeams (cross members) to support the deck since two streetcars could not load the center of the floorbeam at the same time. This track layout caused some traffic problems as the streetcars shifted from the middle of the roadway to the curbline and then back again.
I WAS BORN IN LANDISBURG ,,SPENT MANY HOT SUMMER DAYS SWIMMING BY THE RICE BRIDGE WITH MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS,,WHEN I VISITED THE AREA IN 2003 I WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE ACROSS DUE THE REMODEL,,LOTS OF GOOD MEMORIES THERE,MY MOTHER NELLIE CLELAN IS NOW 101 YEARS OLD ,,SHE WENT OVER THAT BRIDGE MANY TIMES,, VONNY CLELAN -HARRINGTON,, BOISE ,IDAHO
I just crossed this bridge April 25th of 2007 and had never had a fear of bridges until this one. We were heading into Kentucky this day and got about 1/3 of the way over this bridge when all of the sudden we had to stop for construction. The bridge was down to only 1 very narrow lane and we had to wait our turn. After stopping I began to feel the bridge begin to shutter and shake. Mind you I have never felt a fear over the hundreds of bridges I have traveled over but this one got me. As the on-coming travel started to pass me the shaking became worse as if the bridge may collapse. Obvioulsly it never did but nonetheless my nerves were shot. Shortly after that I wondered if I would always have a fear of bridges and that question was answered 10-15 miles down the road as I crossed the Ohio River into Kentucky. Luckily I did fine and have crossed 3 others since this expierence. On my return trip I took the I 57 bridge which was just fine.
Earth Day festivities were being held on the Clinton Library grounds when I was visiting this bridge on 21 April '07. Attached are two views that will compliment the nice array of photos already posted for this bridge.
Webmaster's note: The photos that were here have been incorporated into the main site.
I figured with a two-lane thru truss on a county road, that would be a real possibility.
Thanks for clearing this up. The bridge seems a lot less out of place now!
Tunnel is actually now owned by the Missouri and Northern Arkansas Railway who leases it from the UP. MNA is a 540 mile short line railroad running south from near KC to Newport, AR with addional lines in Kansas and Western Missouri. This line was formerly owned by the Missouri Pacific.
This looks similar to the bridge that was near Guy and Steel House Hollow. It was called "Mill Bridge" and my Dad swam there as a kid. I have pictures, they aren't real clear, but you can see the structures are very close...
According to Google Earth, this road is on old IN 303.
I am remember Paseo Bridge over Missouri River. It was pay toll bridges. it was old bridge. it is good bridge. THANK YOU.
New concrete bridge in place as of Spring 2006 at slightly different alignment. Original bridge to north of new bridge is in poor condition, and will likely be demolished.
Indian Mill Bridge Looking west toward Indian Mill. During snow of Jan. 30, 2007
Andrea Wilkins sent these photos of this Canton Bridge Company to me (www.historicbridges.org) of this half-hip Pratt pony truss with pinned connections and an unknown construction date. The plaque is mounted on top of the end post and has no date, but does credit the Canton Bridge Company. This bridge is slated for demolition and replacement. The structure is in a condition that would allow for an easy restoration. This bridge does not deserve to be demolished!
Webmaster's note: The photos that were here have been incorporated into the main site.
Looks like a state highway Parker truss. There's one like that in Decatur County that's on an old alignment of US421. Maybe that road is a decommissioned state road, as there are actually quite a few of them.
Delaware County needs to have an Iron Bridge festival touting these wonderful spans and the hometown company that built them. My home (New Castle) had 3 different companies that erected iron bridges, but they tore them all down years ago. Now we are searching to find one to move back!
That road(1000S) runs straight through from one side of the county to the other, so they may have done it to appease the farmers. Hopefully that will help the other two bridges....I know #59 is status pending on the INDOT site. I would like to find out if they dismantled #60 for possible reuse. I know at one time they were talking about moving the Vera Cruz bridge into Bluffton. One can hope.
Tony,
Yeah, it's a shame to find these old bridges missing. I suspected this bridge had been replaced even before my visit, but hoped maybe it had been bypassed. Unfortunately it wasn’t.
I see from your postings that Delaware County has some nice old bridges, possibly endangered as well. Looks like I’m going to have to check them out before it’s too late.
Tom
Sad to see they replaced this one. For years, going to my Grandparent's house in Warren, I would visit these 3 bridges. 3 different truss types on 3 consecutive roads was pretty cool.........but no more. Had I have gotten an earlier start to Delaware County on Saturday, I was planning on going up that way. Good to see we've got each others backs!
Tony
Camelback Thru Truss. Unknown builder. Wood floor which has been paved over.
This bridge no longer exits. Replaced with modern concrete structure.
This is a very solid bridge for its age. The concrete floor and outer I beams seem to be the only weak point. Years of winter road salt have taken its toll on these. This bridge is scheduled for replacement.
Built by Indiana Bridge Company.
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The Peterson Ford Bridge is what the Indiana Bridge Company referred to as it's "high triangular truss". Two of these bridges survive, this one and a slightly smaller one in Preble County,OH. These seem to be similar to the Pegram truss bridges in Kansas. This bridge was built in 1902 and seems to face an uncertain future. It has been closed several times in the past few years, but as the most unique of Delaware County's remaining bridges, it needs to be preserved. It is also locally known as the Granville Bridge.
Webmaster's note: The photos that were here have been incorporated into the main site.
The Smithfield Bridge was built in 1908 by the Indiana Bridge Company of Muncie. It is a 190ft long Warren thru truss with unique portal and sway bracing. The bridge is open and carries a large amount of traffic. It reportedly is scheduled to be bypassed and preserved.
Webmaster's note: The photos that were here have been incorporated into the main site.
This bridge, known as the Brooks Bridge, was built by the Lafayette Bridge Company. The portals are the same as the Ft. Ritner bridge, but it's spans are longer.
Photos taken 4-14-07
Photos taken 4-14-07
http://www.thetelegraph.com/onset?id=602&template=article.html
Another old bridge ruined by a moron in a truck.
Yes, I did see the collapsed piers of the old CR48 bridge.
Not-Fred must have a real name.
Not-Fred's perspectives are showing improvement.
I'd like to help Not-Fred with his composition & lighting.
I remember vividly crossing this bridge in 1975 in an MCI MC-7 motor coach on the final leg of a trip from Tucson, AZ to Paducah, KY, during a snow storm with the bridge covered in ice. Like most 1920s spans, the lanes are narrow and unforgiving, and the surface was slippery on the main span, as it was on that nasty "suicide curve" on the southern approach. I remember losing traction on the drive wheels trying to get up the approach ramp, and the back end of the bus fishtailing slightly, requiring a careful touch on the throttle. Once on top, I passed a truck mid-span and we clicked mirrors. It was a nerve wracking experience, to be certain. To look at this span in these pictures shows a pretty typical American Bridge product of the era, with field "built-up" lattice beams and the like, and it's a monument to 20th century American engineering. It also seems quite benign in the sunny weather. However, on that day in '75 with all that ice, I thought I was a goner! Of all my Mississippi River crossings, this bridge stands above all as the most memorable for me.
I lived in Crossville, TN for several years. I know the Caney Fork Bridge very well. It's pretty far off the beaten path, up in a very rural mountain. It's a very shallow river, great for swimming picnics, and a pretty decent trout hole a little further up river. It's a really nice bridge. Here is a picture I took of it a few years ago. (You may get more bridge shots from me - I'm a photigraphy buff, and I'm working on a "Bridges" series now.
Adolescent name calling is not the mark of a bridge enthusiast. Practice a little tolerance and attempt to accentuate the positive.
Lots of fond memories of Bridge #9.
Thanks for the great photos.
Otis of the Rakeops
This is the Vallonia Bridge, a two-span Whipple thru that was one of the Indiana Bridge Company's earliest contracts. The last I heard it was on Jackson County's endangered list, but I'm not sure of the current status. It ranks with the Sparksville and Ft. Ritner bridges as one of the more interesting ones in the area.
Just looked at your pics and I agree, I think that one section could go at any time. Then we'll have what looks like a minature Kinzua viaduct in Indiana.
As of April 15, 2007 this trestle was still standing, but it appears it won't be for long. The abutment in the center of the creek moved during high water earlier this spring, and these photos show the result. Looks to me like it will only take one more good rain and this one will be coming down!
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These were taken the afternoon of March 26, 2007.
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Yeah, that would be great if you could upload pics of those trusses in Indiana and Ohio. It will be interesting to compare them.
Masonry at it's finest!
I like this little bridge.
I visited this bridge on October 31, 2006
Recent photo
The MacArthur Bridge was closed to auto traffic in 1981. When I was a teen I remember riding my bike across the bridge and feel the auto deck vibrate whenever a train crossed the bridge on the lower level. It would be nice to see this bridge completely refurbished. Over 40 years ago this bridge was once part of the U.S. highway system (designated US 460), the bridge marked the western terminus of this highway.
I was just reading where Indiana Bridge Company referred to their "Pegram" as a "high triangular truss. I'm not sure if there were any major differences in the two, but they look very similar. I'm hoping to visit the Peterson Ford bridge sometime this week, and will post some pictures if I do.
This is a very old and interesting bridge as well. There is a WIBC Whipple truss in Warrick County,IN that is bracketed with Kingpost ponies on both ends.
Robert
Thanks for the info on the Pegram trusses. There are two bridges built by the Indiana Bridge Company that have a similar truss. One is in Preble County, OH (Seven Mile Creek Bridge)and was built in 1906. The Indiana bridge is the Peterson Ford Bridge over the Mississinewa River in Deleware County north of Muncie, and was built in 1902. While Ohio does call their bridge a Pegram, I have always just heard of our Indiana bridge referred to as a Polygonal-chord Warren Thru Truss. We also have a Triple Lattice (Fredricksburg Bridge) in Washington County,IN that is being moved to a park in Hamilton County, IN to be restored. These bridges were built for roadway use, where both of these truss types were more common on the railways.
Tony
I agree with Anthony that this is an impressive bridge. This bridge, the UP Crossing, the Salt Creek Bowstring Bridge, the County Line Bowstring Bridge, and the Rice Stone Arch Bridge are all located within about 5-6 miles of each other (as seen on the maps) and can conveniently be visited on one trip, road conditions permitting.
This is one of at least two Pegram trusses that I am aware of in Kansas. The other is located in Minneapolis in Ottawa county, and is pictured on this site.
Do you have other pictures, especially of Higden, AR before Greers Ferry Dam was built? I am trying to locate pictures of the old town of Higden just before the dam was built. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you, JoAnn
how could stuckey of died on this bridge in the 1800's if it was built in 1901??
WOW! This is a neat bridge! A Pegram sandwiched by a pair of triple-intersection lattices. Makes me want to go to Kansas.
I jumped from it... I grew up in the town around the 70's. Never really thought of the bridge as historical..just thought, "Oh man, we have to drive over the bridge that might collapse" when I was a kid. Humboldt is a beautiful town with much more to offer than see!! I wish I could have raised my own child there.
That's a shame, it has quite a bit of nice, classic architecture to it.
Many locals refer to the Brookport bridge as the "Blue Hummer" because of the humming sound tires make as they roll acroos the open decking.
Some one informed me that the decking was laid in the wrong direction and this is the reason for the sound.
I like seeing different pictures of the same bridge. Some pictures are taken in different parts of the year, and some have different perspectives. I'd rather see too many pictures of a bridge than none.
well it has been a few years sense me and my husband been there, but if we could get the chance we would go back in a heart beat, a great place to teach your children to fish and learn how to camp.now my mother and her family was raise on the hill from the big swinging bridge, and if you would mention the last name of musick I would bet all the old timers would remember, just who you would be talking about, and we also had a brother that decide to jump from the big bridge along time ago,so yes it was deep at one time, and it still is I would image, When my brother's and sister's were growing up we went there every summer, it was a great place, miss those times, and you will find very friendly people and i bet if you would run into one of those old timers they would tell you stories about the old days.
Part of old Kansas City to St. Louis Rock Island Railroad Line.
Photos taken April 4, 2007. Steel is marked 'JONES & LAUGHLINS'; the 'N' in 'JONES' is backward.
4/10/07
When will the Androscoggin River Bridge(#3334) will be replace with a new brige.Nick
Fred, you are STILL a wussy.
Well... that is n othing I FELL through that bridge during a camping trip with my whole family. MY DAD drove a bus camper across it all the time...
Patti
This is known locally as the "Green Iron Truss". It's a quaint little bridge!
Recent photos from different perspectives, in diffent seasons, or previously unshown details; of any bridge, have significant value. I do submit photos of other bridges not currently listed for Arkansas. Certainly they will be appreciated as well. The importance of quality photo-documentation should not be diminshed.
I found a picture of this bridge when it was under construction:
http://www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/media-detail.aspx?mediaID=6135
YIKES!!! Not sure why this posted multiple times....sorry, ghost in the machine I guess.
This bridge is known as the "Twin Bridge". It originally had an iron railroad bridge that sat directly on top of it. That bridge was replaced in 1906 by the concrete arches that still exist behind this bridge. One of the abutments of the original bridge still exist. The 1906 date given for this bridge is incorrect. It was actually built in 1886 by the Indiana Bridge Co.(Indianapolis)in the short time before they moved to Muncie. It is a rare highway Baltimore thru truss. They built another one in Martin County over Indian Creek that is also still standing but abandoned. The Twin Bridge is scheduled for rehabilitation, possibly even as I write this. The following picture shows the iron roadway bridge and the concrete railroad arches.
Webmaster's note: The photo that was here has been incorporated into the main site.
This bridge is known as the "Twin Bridge". It originally had an iron railroad bridge that sat directly on top of it. That bridge was replaced in 1906 by the concrete arches that still exist behind this bridge. One of the abutments of the original bridge still exist. The 1906 date given for this bridge is incorrect. It was actually built in 1886 by the Indiana Bridge Co.(Indianapolis)in the short time before they moved to Muncie. It is a rare highway Baltimore thru truss. They built another one in Martin County over Indian Creek that is also still standing but abandoned. The Twin Bridge is scheduled for rehabilitation, possibly even as I write this. The following picture shows the iron roadway bridge and the concrete railroad arches.
Webmaster's note: The photo that was here has been incorporated into the main site.
This bridge is known as the "Twin Bridge". It originally had an iron railroad bridge that sat directly on top of it. That bridge was replaced in 1906 by the concrete arches that still exist behind this bridge. One of the abutments of the original bridge still exist. The 1906 date given for this bridge is incorrect. It was actually built in 1886 by the Indiana Bridge Co.(Indianapolis)in the short time before they moved to Muncie. It is a rare highway Baltimore thru truss. They built another one in Martin County over Indian Creek that is also still standing but abandoned. The Twin Bridge is scheduled for rehabilitation, possibly even as I write this. The following picture shows the iron roadway bridge and the concrete railroad arches.
Webmaster's note: The photo that was here has been incorporated into the main site.
This 1904 New Castle Bridge Co.(Indianapolis) span has been dismantled and stored for possible re-use in Hamilton County.
The unusual connection detail at the end post, including the shaped plates around the pin, and the use of large bolts to attach the diagonals is strikingly similar to inclined endpost Pratt pony truss bridges built by the Wrought Iron Bridge Company. This bridge may also be a product of that company.
This is acually the Washington Street bridge. As Meeks Avenue curves, the street name changes.
It's a beautiful thing to see this bridge saved. It kind of restores my faith in people that they would be thoughtful enough to save this piece of history. Same thing was done with the 135th street bridge in Romeoville, Illinois.
This bridge is a popular spot for college students from UTC as well as Lee University who are looking for a romantic setting for a walk with a date.
This bridge was completely damaged in the big flood of 1997 in the Ohio river valley. Only the one end remained after the flood waters leveled it.
Thanks
Brian
If you see this bridge, you literally are in the middle of nowhere....
Does anyone have any information on the bridge that stood at this site prior to the Luten bridge (this Luten bridge has a beautiful compound arch). In photographing this location I discovered, below/adjacent to the exiting bridge an abutment and a latice verticle from a previous bridge. I would be very interested in any information and dates.
thanks, and good hunting,
john
please email me if you have any information
you can see the near and far abutment/pier and the latice iron in the water in the supplied photos
john cross
This is a great old bridge that I've crossed many times when a child and I lived near there. Now I only get to see if every couple of years. It has long been bypassed and so does not see too much traffic. Despite this, as you can see in the photo, this bridge and many others in the area were repainted as one lane bridges since they were deemed structurally unsound.
Oops! I started posting these after we got back from Florida and somehow never finished!
Oops!! I started posting these pictures right after we got back from Florida and somehow never finished!! This bridge is really close to my parents' house. They cross it every time they go to the beach. There is a little park next to this one and they have built a walkway that goes under the bridge.
