Dinkey Historical Bridge
Description
Bowstring arch truss bridge. Various historic websites and the historic sign at the bridge disagree on details of wood and construction.Facts
- Overview
- Bowstring through truss bridge over Dinkey Creek on an access road in the Dinkey Creek Recreation Area
- Location
- Fresno County, California
- Status
- Open to pedestrians only
- History
- Built 1938
- Builder
- - Civilian Conservation Corps
- Design
- According to the Dinkey Creek Recreation Area's website, it states the following about the bridge: The Dinkey Historical Bridge is a redwood, bowstring arch truss bridge, which may be the only one of its kind in California. It was among the first bridges in America to utilize steel, split-ring timber-connecting devices; a design that gave wood bridges strength to carry heavy loads. This bridge was built in 1938 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. (http://www.sierranevadageotourism.org/content/dinkey-creek-recreation-area/sie4F556645EF435183E)
- Dimensions
-
Span length: 92.0 ft.
Total length: 92.0 ft.
Deck width: 18.5 ft.
- Recognition
- Posted to the National Register of Historic Places on September 5, 1996
- Also called
- Dinkey Creek Redwood Truss Bridge
- Approximate latitude, longitude
- +37.06737, -119.15393 (decimal degrees)
37°04'03" N, 119°09'14" W (degrees°minutes'seconds") - Approximate UTM coordinates
- 11/308508/4104515 (zone/easting/northing)
- Elevation
- 5690 ft. above sea level
- USGS topographic map
- Dinkey Creek
- Inventory numbers
- NRHP 96000911 (National Register of Historic Places reference number)
BH 49439 (Bridgehunter.com ID)
Update Log
- April 21, 2013: Updated by Craig Philpott: refined design details added photos
- November 22, 2011: New Street View added by James McCray
- August 28, 2011: Added by James McCray
Sources
- James McCray - jamesinslocomb [at] yahoo [dot] com
- Craig Philpott - cphilpott [at] puc [dot] edu
Comments
Looks like it was made with Lincoln Logs and an Erector Set.
Very cool though!
Visited bridge and took pictures after two years of talking about it!
One of the CCC builders of this bridge has vivid memories of every aspect of the building process. He was honored at the dedication ceremony for his contributions. He, like this bridge, is a living testament to beautiful craftsmanship and pride in hard work!
I guess my guess must have been right since James had the bridge C.C.C. categorized before I even commented. Probably should read the entire report before opening my mouth.
Our local California expert will have to do some research, but I am willing to guess this bridge was built by the Civilian Conservation Corp. The design details look similar to other C.C.C. constructed bridge in the west, and the date of construction also fit that timetable.
Very interesting find! I always love to see these older timber trusses.
Well James, you found a jewel right here. I have never heard of this bridge before and what a great find. I believe I shall have to make a trip down that way one of these months.
I cant believe that no one has added this bridge onto this site before!
This page's URL is http://bridgehunter.com/ca/fresno/dinkey-historical/