Thanks Scott! I moved your pic to the main page.
My dad is from Warren and I have been under this bridge hundreds of times since I was a kid. There used to be an artesian well nearby on the River Road, not sure if it still flows and is accessible.
They were not the original abutments. The bridge was acquired from the county around 1916 and moved to this location. They were very crudely built and it's fortunate that they didn't heave and dump the bridge into the stream before it was moved.
Note that the one at Potawatomi Park was pulled from a set of stone abutments between two farm fields over the Iroquois River near Rensselaer. Not clear whether those were the original abutments or not.
Here’s a shot I took recently
Legal Notice of Public Hearing for Des. No. 1600797, Bridge No. 76 Replacement on W CR 800 S over Big Graham Creek, Jennings County, Indiana. It was published in the North Vernon Plain Dealer and Sun on 2/25/2021 without paragraph 5. The revised Legal Notice will be published on 3/4/2021.
The remaining covered spans were replaced by a slab. I got to see it with my own eyes 25 years ago. If your thinking of the picture where it says "unknown origin", its probably when the roof and siding were removed before demolition.
The description says the covered bridge was replaced by a concrete slab. But the one picture shows a truss bridge in place of it, right?
my dad proposed to my step mom on this bridge. Truly beautiful
Not sure where the historian got his information from but the trusses would have come from the Smith Bridge Company plant in Toledo, Ohio.
http://m.navigatorjournal.com/prairie_post/article_6c2a6792-...
Found an interesting article relating to it
Here's a quick video I recently did on the bridge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuPRklIwP3g
Appears to be gated now at State Road 62. There is a place to pull off and you might be able to walk to it if it's not marked as No Trespassing.
Any tips on how to access this bridge?
Here’s the plaque on the south east side of the current bridge.
Wanted to add notice that this bridge is scheduled for rehabilitation in 2021 through May 2022, and will include repaired corbels, repaired arches, resurfacing, narrowing of traffic lanes and wider sidewalks. Tree clearing has already begun at the site. The bridge was built in 1939, rehabilitated in 1984, and is eligible for the NRHP under Criterion C.
It's added now Elaine... thank you for providing that beautiful image!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yQQ03v1EEU
Please enjoy this drone video I put together of this beautiful Lincoln Memorial Bridge.
Love the historic name
Thanks for adding this great information Tyler! I changed the name to reflect the more unique, historic title.
This appears to have been a Baltimore Truss from the late 1880's or early 1890's. If the cut stone abutments are original to this bridge then it most certainly pre-date 1900. Of course it is always possible that this span was built to replace an earlier one.
Another covered bridge that has "been through the ringer and back" is in Philippi WV (BH 36774). After its last fire in 1989 (which was accidental, not arson), it was rebuilt with a fire sprinkler system. That was practical in Philippi because it's in a town with a water system. That may not be practical for bridges like Plummer Creek, which are in remote rural locations, having neither a municipal water system, nor even electricity to pump water out of the creek.
More info and photos of this demolished bridge. I believe it was built in 1909.
https://www.class900indy.com/post/tracking-history-the-remai...
I doubt this was a true arson attempt but more of a "Hold my beer and watch this" moment.
But yeah... This bridge has been through the ringer and back.
Hope so too, but doubt it. This bridge gets vandalized often. Greene Co has a 3-D problem: too many drunks, druggies and dumbasses.
Yeah, I hate to see that. I hope that Greene County officials repair it swiftly and put better security measures in place.
Edited the photos. The barrel shot may now be clear enough to read the date block.
Regards,
Art S.
Uh-oh! Some a-hole tried to torch this beaut: https://www.wthr.com/article/news/crime/isp-investigating-fi...
A friend told me that work has started on the rehabilitation of this span. It has been in the works for a couple years now.
https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/Historic%20Indiana%20Bri...
the replacement spans look like a former turntable, which makes sense being attached to the old swing span pier. Anyone know where this came from?
Here's a link to a video I recently did about the bridge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbDC_IgJFhA
This is just North of Mt Lawn Speedway.
Photo by Gene Ingram, New Castle.
Any updates on bridge? I would suspect that the installation in Petersburg, IN would probably be slated for better weather in spring?
Its probably built from salvaged structural steel, such as a roof truss. And with that riveted construction, definitely fabricated (even for its original unknown purpose) well after Lincoln's death in 1865. Assuming Lincoln even ran a "Lincoln Bridge and Iron Works" haha.
So, a local crack addict (by his own admission) who was under the bridge said that the bridge is called the Crazy Awesome Bridge and was built by Abraham Lincoln himself, which if correct, would place the construction of this bridge in the early 1800's. Anyway what design is this?
This bridge will be relocated and reconstructed.
Found more interesting tidbits connected to this bridge. An article was published on the tornado that tore apart the bridge (and the surrounding communities) in the New York Times (!) on May 30, 1883. Here is an excerpt:
"At a point where a bridge crossed Eel River eight or ten persons, some of them being in a wagon, south shelter on the bridge. The bridge was shattered and men, women, wagon and mules went into the river together. Joseph Seeley and Mrs. Hay were killed outright and five persons were injured. The Mules escaped without a scratch."
This newspaper article was reproduced in a excellent little book titled "History of Patricksburg" by Joyce Van Dyke Skinner and Margie E. Byerly.
Tony,
I think it will take an ongoing effort to turn things around. The county still isn't convinced but I think there is a chance.
Clark,
I believe the railing is original. It did have accident damage which was 'improved' while it was off.
Most bridges I've encountered look really bad but are usually stronger than they appear. This one was the opposite. It is a minor miracle it hadn't collapsed under a grain truck.
As I am aware of what was done; rather than say, I'll make it a bridgehunter challenge: For those able to visit the bridge, see if you can figure out what was done and what is still needed (besides paint :^) ).
Regards,
Art S.
I would assume they were reattached to the hangers on the verticals. Of course it offers no real protection to the truss members, but without a full rehabilitation and installation of a protective system that is the best that can be done.
Is the new inside "railing" welded to the bridge members? Was that their reinforcement?
Art,
I couldn't agree more with you!
Dicks is on a secondary road with a low ADT Count, and I doubt if the county will be in any rush to reopen it. Barnard on the other hand carries a decent amount of traffic (I think the 170 count on it is wrong btw).
We proved to Putnam County way back in 2006 with the Hibbs Ford Bridge that restoring these bridges is more economical. But yet they still haven't grasped the concept. They have demolished with no replacement (Appleby Ford); abandoned (Pinhook); bypassed and abandoned (Sutherlin Ford); demolished and replaced (Crow's); and given away (Houck). They did do some work on the Cooper Bridge, but I've not seen it to know what it amounts to.
I greatly appreciate your help with the Barnard Bridge and can only hope that the light bulb goes on and the county steps up and does what they need to... with it and the few other metal trusses that remain!
Tony,
I'm not sure about their priorities but unless Dick's is at risk removal, I'd rather see them actually fix this one first. The county promotes their covered bridges, it would be nice to add some trusses to the mix. If they proactively restored it, besides creating an attraction, their overall maintenance costs will go down.
I think doing so may demonstrate the benefit and help all of the bridges in the county.
Regards,
Art S.
Alright, Art! You are a barer of good news! Hope they can get Dicks Road bridge fixed now
A tidbit of good news.
Not any prettier but open:
https://www.bannergraphic.com/story/2861272.html
Regards,
Art S.
Toll free through January 31. Discounted $1 toll for all of February with EZPass/I-pass. Time for a little joyride on a very high bridge with a great view of steel mills and Lake Michigan.
Bridge is now open to traffic
Here's a video I recently did about the bridge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tv_SqVeIn8E
This bridge is going straight to hell. Needs repair, paint, whatnot.
Two bridges are confused here. The Big Four bridge was on the Peoria & Eastern RR, now gone. The Monon bridge was on the Monon RR and still carries CSX trains over Sugar Creek. It is not open to pedestrian traffic.
I wonder who the builder was
I surely hope they do something with this! It would definitely look cool as the centerpiece in a park or a secondary access road in a town.
Quite a cool looking bridge! Similar in build to the Mayer road bridge in Warrick County.
A bit less authentic than its counterpart in the county with partial steel framing underneath, but still a cool bridge nonetheless!
Gotta love it. Honestly this is one of my favorite bridges, just because of authenticity and location. It’s a very peaceful bridge.
It’s a neat little bridge, glad to see it there.
Love the bridge, always a joy to see! A bit serene at night.
Thanks for "re-posting" this pic Mike!
My info on the other photo was incorrect as I found it to be the Old Red CB that was West of Huntington over the Wabash.
Here they are
Here they are
More photos of South end
Bridge demo underway. I caught it in last light of January 10, 2021
So has Spencer & Daviess
Dubois has completely trashed their inventory of truss bridges.
There are several cool abandoned ponies in Warrick Co, two Bedsteads on Cole Creek and a warren on Tennyson road. The Cole creek bridges can't be seen in high vegetation, with the one on 800 almost gone.
No, i have not been fortunate to visit those as if now.
I'm afraid that ponies don't have a lot of luck anywhere these days. Garrett, you didn't happen to visit the two ponies that are abandoned on Hunley & Bruner creeks on 64 almost directly north of this bridge, did you? I have visited the Bruner creek bridge, but couldn't get permission on check out the Hunley pony. The area was heavy with "No Trespassing".
Sure sux now...
Dubois County pony trusses haven’t seemed to have that much good luck in being saved
Was quite a cool pony truss!
I'm thrilled I was able to drive across this last summer. I'll miss seeing it when I'm in Evansville.
I don't know the history of this line (we have guys on here for that). I can tell you that the cut stone abutments and pier would be pre-1900 and the DPG's currently sitting on them are likely replacing through or deck trusses.
Do you know what year this bridge was built?
Actually we had a good Section 106 Mitigation outcome with this bridge, although this bridge is not being saved, INDOT will be doing an in-depth study with the goal of identifying methods and opportunities to protect historic bridges with low clearance. Several INDOT owned bridges are also specifically highlighted for particular consideration of some form of protection. So I feel this is a step forward. See attached pages from the MOA.
Unfortunate... But yet not surprising.
Just another instance where headache bars would solve a glaring problem. But I doubt that INDOT would ever consider using them.
INDOT has decided to replace this bridge. They're planning to let the contract in the spring of 2021, with construction to begin in the summer of 2021.
https://www.wevv.com/content/news/US-41-Pigeon-Creek-Bridge-...
Here's a video I recently did on the bridge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8ZHp4Mh7Fk
I'd love to be able to see inside to look at how the reinforcing was done.
It just occurred to me that this was fairly early for a concrete arch. Stone arch construction was still common then especially in an area where stone was a local product.
Cass County commissioners Are reviewing six bids For the demolition of this bridge. Winning bid may be announced at the first commissioners meeting in January 2021. Once again another Daniel Lutin bridge goes by the wayside. Logansport Pharos Tribune has an article with some particulars.
https://www.pharostribune.com/news/article_f81476c8-43d8-11e...
I read in an older book about historic bridges of the middle west that the bean blossom at one point had collapsed. Does anyone know what that refers to? Possibly partial decking collapse and had been rebuilt?
The future of this bridge is in jeopardy now that CSX has abandoned and removed the trackage here. Highly doubt it'll be saved due to it's location.
Hamilton County already has a big project in the works with the Bell's Ford Bridge, so I doubt they'd be interested. Marion County just needs to step up and take care of it.
Hamilton county should look into acquiring the Traders Point
Covered bridge since they already have the sister bridge, Potters Bridge
Just saw that the Indians Covered Bridge Society put an update on Facebook. It would seem that the bridge is still in a continued state of disrepair and has developed a bit of a lean on top. Hopefully it is saved sooner rather than later, before disaster. I will try to link those photos if I can get the photo credits.
Another great restoration by the guys at CLR Construction!
This beautiful ca. 1884 Indianapolis Bridge Company Pratt was pulled from it's original location, where it sat abandoned for nearly 20 years, and is now a prime feature of the new Rice Island development in Corydon. I can't wait to visit it, along with the other two restored truss bridges, it the very near future!
Old Circle road bridge now in Corydon, IN
Bridge is now complete and setting in Corydon In. on the East side of town just off of SR 62, connecting to the Rice Island walking trail.
Unbelievably, here's some footage of this bridge carrying traffic. Probably from the late 1960s.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gre6cKppw6k
This was on a TV program in South Bend called Beyond Our Control. It was mostly a sketch comedy program, written, produced, and acted by high school students.
On Google maps, it looks like the abutments still exist. There also appears to be some sort of pier in line with the abandoned roadbed on to the northwest.
Yup... Luke messaged me earlier about it. And, despite the fact I added to that page earlier this year... I still overlooked it! 🤪
Thx Geoff!
Tony,
I'm pretty sure that was the MC St. Joseph Branch crossing the New York Central mainline.
Geoff
Well Mike, even though Bob apparently triggered you because he didn't know exactly where it was... He was right.
Your own caption has the answer: "South Market St. [since renamed Capitol Ave.]"
That'd be IN 337, just nearby.
That appears to be the South Bridge on Market Street which I'm not sure exactly where was located.
https://applegates.us/indiana/creeks-and-bridges/#jp-carouse...
Any chance this was the same bridge?
https://images.indianahistory.org/digital/collection/P0391/i...
I took this photograph. This bridge is over Sugar Creek on the ex-Monon RR (now CSX). My Dad & I went looking for the Monon trestle in Crawfordsville on Thanksgiving Day. He walked the trestle while I took photos. I am modeling this trestle in HO scale.
Jim Smith
I think it was just to the West near where the waterfall/dam remains from the old Cave Mill.
I believe the old covered bridge may have been on different road alignment to the west around a mile. Then the Parker truss was built on the brand new alignment of State Road 9. The covered bridge had to have been removed and not replaced in its exact location. This is from some other source I think I've read. Thanks for finding the photo Ed.
I was working on it with Melissa... but Mr. Hubbs beat me to it. 🤬
And Geoff, not sure who created the entry.
Apparently it's vertical endpost week! :^)
Really nice find Tony!
Regards,
Art S.