Mike,
Are you saying this existing plate girder bridge is ALSO being relocated? What is your source of information for this? The construction plans for the relocation of the bowstring to this location appear to call out the demolition of the plate girder. Bach Steel is only doing the work relating to the bowstring and was not subcontracted for any relocation/demolition of the plate girder, so if this is happening the prime must be doing it, and it must be a last minute development? The plate girder bridge is also listed as having been built in 1905 per the project documents (which contradicts the ca. 1930 date given by Dr. James Cooper's database). Not sure which is correct. Here are excerpts from the Special Provision for the demolition:
PRESENT STRUCTURE REMOVE, STR. NO. 3
This work shall consist of removing the existing bridge carrying Water Street over Prides Creek, Pike County Bridge 297, as shown on the plans or as directed by the Engineer. Prior to the commencement of demolition and construction activities, the Contractor shall retain a qualified historian or architectural historian, as defined by the Indiana SHPO, to prepare documentation of Bridge 297, including digital photographs, a digital photo log, a written description of the bridge, a statement of significance of the bridge, and a sketch plan. After the final version of the documentation of Bridge 297 has been received by the three agencies noted above, demolition of the bridge may proceed.
The bridge has already been dismantled and restoration work can now commence. Photos courtesy Nels Raynor, Bach Steel. Bach Steel is doing the restoration work on this bridge. Ragle is the prime.
I have always been concerned about it remaining in use at that location, and seeing a few really large pickups crossing it while I was there kinda confirmed that. I wish there was a nice park with a creek it could go into but that doesn't appear to be a possibility in Petersburg.
yip, I wish they would have fixed it up in old location, but... Petersburg is kinda dying, unfortunately. The McDonalds next door went under (!!), the old IGA is defunct. Don't know how much I69 contributed to it, but it sucks. Tornado went thru back in the 90s and tore it up. Hasn't been the same since
I'm still not sold on the location. I just hope they develope it into something decent!
Garrett! Good news! Bridge is supposed to be set in another location in Petersburg (not sure where), and the Iron Bridge Road bowstring is to be moved there. There is a picture of the bowstring being lifted up waiting it's relocation in the Pike County Dispatch (Yes, I will post it as soon as I can get it from my parents). If I were to guess, I think that this fellow will end up in Hornady Park about a mile west on Pike Street, just a guess though.
Looks like it will be moving soon with the destruction of the Petersburg bridge.
Sad it was demolished, but hopefully the new historic bridge that is supposed to be moved there will be well treated in the spot
It's a heavier bridge... period
There's supposed to be another truss bridge visible in the image, given the "Twin Bridges" nickname.
Said truss isn't visible in your image.
Ergo, your image cannot be from Danville.
Geographic place Danville (Ind.), Twin Bridges (Danville, Ind.)
Since they got the photo reversed I guess they could have made other mistakes but I am not convinced because you can't see the structure down to creek level in this photo.
It's definitely not this bridge based on substructure. It's probably another bridge on the same line in the area, as the caption on the IUB database reads "Bridge; Danville trip"
It, by context clues alone, can't be Danville, but it could be any bridge along the line headed into Indianapolis.
e.g. this substructure by the bridge in Avon: https://bridgehunter.com/photos/18/16/181695-L.jpg
It's still not the same bridge. That is a heavier bridge and the substructure is completely different.
After looking some more, I think the photo view point was from the west side on the road bridge looking up and east. By counting the vertical beams on the rail bridge it shows only about half of the rail bridge is in the picture.
Something is wrong with the photo, yes. I think the negative may be reversed. From the light it appears to be the north side of the bridge, looking east. The road bridge would be out of frame to the right. Also there is a hand written number in the corner of the photo which is backward and in the right corner. If you mirror the image it is correct in the left corner. It says 28 and something that looks like a J or maybe it's just a line.
The 2nd photo has been incorrectly identified by the library as being of this span. It is much heavier than the one replaced by the concrete arches in 1906. Also, the original bridge featured substantial wingwalls that are not seen in the 2nd pic. Lastly, the still extant road bridge sat directly underneath it and would have likely been seen in the photo.
it would appear so, there is nothing stopping anybody from going accross. I myself did not want to though, the bridges do not seem to be in the best condition to be supporting excess weight.
It's hard to imagine that those kids who were the Brown's children are 75,73 & 71 years old. I wonder if they ever think about their father's bridge?
Mr. Brown added that to the bridge after he moved it to his estate in the early 1960's. He also installed an electric eye that would sound an alarm in his house if somebody entered the bridge. Remnants of that system are still in place.
Does anybody know why an oxen yoke is hanging over the entrance to the bridge in some of the pictures?Looks stylish but i never saw one hanging on a covered bridge.Maybe superstition like horseshoes?
I've not heard anything recent about the bridge. I know there have been discussions in the past about moving it here or there, but nothing has ever come to fruition. I would assume that the relatives of D.W. Brown still own it but am not sure.
Anybody know if anything is currently going on with this bridge?
Unfortunately Stone Masonry is mostly a long-lost art.
Corrugated metal and/or concrete supplemental arches are often used to preserve arch rings.
In some cases, entire arches are encased in concrete for longevity's sake.
Looks as if there is a metal culvert beneath the arch. I wonder if that was laid in after it was built and grouted in as a reinforcement in a repair effort?
Mike Daffron, Yes ! I told Tony it was creepy and I Loved It !
Here's a video I recently did on the bridge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9C1BtY6i3_I
Ha! Grant, your nite-pic reminds me of the Jordy Verrill episode of "Creepshow"!
Hey Grant. Is this bridge open again?
Well, that did sound ridiculous.
The Indiana State Preservation Officer scoffed at the county's rediculous plan to ship this beauty to Evansville and build a multi-million dollar slab here. Would not sign off on it.
I Hope so! Fountain county has an excellent groups of bridges and it is certainly a must-see spot.
Some work was done to the center pier so it must be staying put !
I went looking for evidence of the old bridge today. On the south side the road is roped off with Posted No Trespassing! For the north side the old road appears to be the driveway to the last house before where the bridge was. So I don't know if anyone will ever have a chance to get to go near.
I passed over the daggone UCEB today and noticed an old stone abutment to the east. It very well could have been that of an older metal truss bridge removed in the 30s. I don't remember word of any covered bridge on the Jackson/Bartholomew County line except the one paired with Reddington.
Good news! The park has informed me that they are only replacing the deck on the bridge. It may be closed for a while, but will reopen.
I just received info that sez that this wonder may be permanently closed. Sure hope not, I will check into it.
Carl, love the new photos !
Just got word that Ft. Wayne Parks & Rec has this highly significant span on the books for design phase of rehab in 2021. They hope to bid for construction in 2022.
Good to see Ed... now if they will rehab it!
Hey Tony! It looks like your cussing did some good. They must have just cut it down as there are still pine needles on the roof. Now if we can fix the siding.
I think you are correct Nathan. I'm not seeing any gusset plates.
I think this bridge might be welded instead of riveted, but it appears to date to when the dam was built in 1952.
Yeah, I'm not sure where the Massillon label came from, but I corrected the builders info.
Tom's suspicions were correct, per James Cooper's notes this bridge does indeed date to 1929.
https://historicbridges.org/bridges/browser/?bridgebrowser=i...
According to James Cooper's notes, the through truss actually was built by Rochester and the pony truss is a Vincennes product. I am not sure why Massillon is listed on Bridgehunter?
https://historicbridges.org/bridges/browser/?bridgebrowser=i...
Still a fun little bridge to drive over. I usually do after church or after stopping at the nearby gas station.
Estimated new location: https://goo.gl/maps/553QQHwFtpjNpqx6A
38.209827, -86.118508
I must have missed this project in the INDOT Bidding, but it seems this bridge has already been restored and moved to Rice Island in Corydon! I field visited the bridge in May 28, 2019 and there was no sign of construction so this project began sometime after that. https://www.corydondemocrat.com/2020/10/21/bridge-65-gets-ne...
This is a really cool project. I wish we would see more of this when railroad trusses are replaced, especially for rail trails. I also love how they managed to rebuild the partially scrapped span at this location as well.
As of early October the other truss span is being assembled.
https://bernewitness.com/news/trail-bridge-construction-is-u...
I have requested the posts be merged.
Already listed:
Per INDOT,
https://www.in.gov/indot/2565.htm
Here’s hoping this lovely bridge can be preserved somehow! Driving by it in such a state these past months has been very saddening, and I’d hate to see if gone forever.
I went there today, and looked for a moment to see if I could find the carving stone for the bridge, but I was unfortunately unsuccessful. My guess is that it was probably lost, or crumbled into the creek with the edge of the abutements. Overall, interesting to see the original covered bridge foundation. Wish I could’ve seen the bridge when it was around.
Well okay then... I missed these comments! Yes, the # of panels match so it could well be!
To my knowledge it was simply replaced. If it was salvaged for reuse it's news to me. Should have been left alone.
Does anyone know what happened to this bridge?
Sure looks like it.
This bridge seems to look very similar to the removed Endicot Road Bridge and even has a slightly bent railing like that of the former bridge. Might they be the same bridge?
I did take a picture but I couldn’t find it. These google map images are pretty up to date and accurate as to what the bridge looks like though!
There is talk of an interstate connection of Bloomington and French Lick...Looks like it might go right through this area. Hope not. I'll keep my eyes and ears open
Cool! Did you get a pic?
James Cooper lists an 1887 construction date for this bridge, rather than 1894. Based on style and roadway width, I tend to think his date makes more sense.
Here's a video I recently did on the history of the bridge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jF4kZR7IWwg
Cool view, too!
Still in nice condition, which is more than can be said for the railroad bridge next to it which seems to be rotting away. The bridge also seems to have become a hangout spot for teens.
It’s looking even worse now. Don’t know if it will survive another winter.
It is a beautiful bridge and I am glad that I got to see it. It’s length alone will blow you away.
It’s a beautiful bridge that has been restored to very good condition. Bridge is also very long, as I found out when me and my brother ran and raced across it.
I'm not overly fond of the intended location... But yes, I will be happy to have it safe and see it without all the added junk!
Very interesting bridge to see. It is a very unique environment and I love it for its historic value and its relation to the notable William T Washer. I hope the county does save it for some future use.
Given the timing of when the bridge was built, it is likely that Columbia Bridge Co. (successors to CBW) failed just after being awarded the contract. Their agent likely saved his commissions by quickly working something out with WIBCo.
Grant,
I think there has been some holdup on this project due to railroad permitting. But do not worry, the bridge will look better than ever after its restoration!
Went on a late night drive to pay our respects to the bridge. It hasn’t been removed yet, but guardrails have been placed on either side to stop entry as well as some of the treads being ripped up. I love the scenery and peaceful setting of the bridge. I hope that whatever is done next will help to restore this bridge to its former glory. It is truly a sight!
I've cussed that tree a few times.🤬🤬🤬
Some recent photos. I don't think the trees growing so close to the bridge helps. Photos from Sept. 25, 2020
Yes, it's getting rather shabby.
The original move from out in the county was undertaken as a project by the building trades class at the local high school.
I don't know how much, if any, engineering was involved with the move. I do know I crossed it only a year or two prior to the move and it was beyond dilapidated.
It's definitely time for the county to step up and put some funding into it.
This bridge is in dire need of structural and cosmetic repairs! 10/7/2020
I was wondering that myself Art. A little out of my normal range and it would take some digging to possibly uncover the whole story. Anything is certainly possible as we have found in many other cases.
Tony,
What is your confidence that it had bowstrings as its original configuration. The pic with the Pratt and bowstring has what looks like a light Pratt but I think it may be the existing Pratt (note the horizontal strap at mid height).
Could it be that it started as a two span Pratt and when one span washed out, they temporarily put in the bowstring or did it start with bowstrings then just have spans swapped one at a time until today?
Thoughts?
Art S.
The Woodruff name goes back to the bowstring truss and the original landowner I do believe. Wasson may have been the LO when the Warren truss replaced the bowstring.
This one has Rochester Bridge Company written all over it.
Hey Scott! I believe a deck-job would help this fellow out, eh?
Visited this bridge 10-3-20, too early in the fall, too late in the day. Also, too locked up. When was the name changed from Wasson Ford? I noted, while trying to find a southern entry, there was a cemetery just off 35 called Wasson Cemetery.
Looking south towards Grissom AFB
Grew up about a half mile from this gem. Yes one of the old mills was still standing and demolished around the same time in mid 80’s. To bad bridge was not left for pedestrian use.
I've not been able to turn up any more on this one yet. I feel like it is definitely pre 1900 based on the portals and extensive use of counters. The concrete abutments and piers indicate a possible relocation, as do the mixed size of the spans. State Road 101 (Fahlsing Road) did once have an older truss bridge, so I doubt there is any correlation here. It certainly is possible that Scipio Road was an earlier state road that was decommissioned.
I've used pics of maps before Bob, so I don't think there is much concern.
This appears to be it from a 1928 road map. It didn't show on my late 30's maps which probably just means it wasn't a main road anymore. (If a picture of a map section is a copyright issue let me know and I won't do it again)
This is great! I have wondered about this bridge ever since I first turned down Scipio Road from (old) US 24 years ago, on an "I wonder what's down this road" impulse. A few questions:
1) Was Indiana 101, or another numbered road, ever routed over this bridge?
2) It appears that the former route of Scipio Road north of the river is private property south of where it ends in a barrier. Is there perhaps a way to secure permission from the owner to walk along the former road down to the river? I considered knocking on the door of the house closest to the barrier but chose not to at that time.
3) Any information on that abandoned school building at the junction of Scipio and River Road?
4) Scipio runs diagonally north of Notestine Road. South of Notestine, aerial views show a faint diagonal line extending to the Hamm Interceptor Ditch. It appears that this line was once Scipio Road--any information on this? It appears that Scipio may have continued due south just west of the ditch.
Thanks!
Eric
Sometime in the past the criteria for "River" was defined as 100 miles long. At that time many 'rivers' became creeks and that may be the case here.
Thanks Tony!
Took a short break from posting CBWs. Tonight was vertical endpost night :^)
Found the location of three of the O&M's Post through trusses and posted a new image of a B&O Fink in WV.
Regards,
Art S.
Very cool find!
It is indeed Hogan Creek, which like nearby Laughery Creek are rather sizable streams before their confluence with the Ohio River.
Beautiful day to take the new Liberty on a bridge trip. It was a little dry though...
Despite this bridge being moved to a very viable location the bridge seems to be suffering both cosmetic and structural damage. Props have been added to support the bridge mid span. I am going to give it some close examination soon to find out what's going on.
I like how it says they painted the bridges by mixing linseed oil and white lead. Must not have hurt the brothers, they look to have lived a long life.
Perhaps the one span of the old Nine Span Bridge, that's now in storage awaiting a buyer, will wind up here. Not all that far away.
If you want to see photos of the historic Indian Trail Bridge in its original location, please see full coverage here: https://historicbridges.org/bridges/browser/?bridgebrowser=t...
Full list of all bridge parts in storage is available here:
https://engineering.purdue.edu/CAI/SBRITE/Facilities/BCGalle...
Among the parts in storage here are parts of the collapsed I-35W Bridge.
Aka
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Trail_Road%E2%80%93Bell...
If you want to keep old bridges around, it's a good idea to have folks trained to maintain them, I guess.
here's the original location
James, You're right this is kind of the Groom Lake or boneyard of Indiana. Perhaps there are some secret Keystone or Phoenix columns made of titanium hidden in a storage building along with one of my favorite Indiana bridges (Salt Creek Bridge Old SR 158) that sadly disappeared.
