Most of what I'm seeing in the pics leads me to it being wrought iron Daniel. The next time I'm in the vicinity I will try to visit it in person.
Daniel,
The floor beam truss supports are what are being referenced as cast. The fact that trussed floor beams are used (and still remain!) suggest an early bridge. My gut says early to mid 1880s.
Anyone have a guess as to the maker?
Regards,
Art S.
I don't see anything here that makes me think cast iron rather than steel. The general construction style looks far newer than 1870s to me.
The only component I see that might be cast is on the floor beam, holding the tension member down.
Maybe I am seeing things, but it almost looks to me like the transverse floor beams might have some cast-iron components. If so, that might even put this thing back in the 1870s.
Mike, I Love the family history !!!
My family have spent a lot of time on and around this old bridge. I used to transport my twin daughters across by having them wrap there arms around my neck while I crossed (one at a time, of course). They are grown now and can traverse it by themselves. My youngest boy would never take my help. He's going into the army next month and one of my daughters is getting married early next year. They are not getting so old that they didn't want to do a little "family hike", as we just recently went back for a visit.
Abandoned and falling apart my two favorite things LOL
Love this bridge!
The unusual built-up floor beams, lower connections and light verticals composed of back-to-back channels riveted together suggest an 1880's bridge to me.
Would be an ideal candidate to move to a park or trail!
Tony, thank you for mapping this!
Mr. Crasher's pics from Yesterday would suggest it is.
Not surprised to hear whining from the Illinois side as that county has trashed any historic bridge that once existed within it's borders. An agreement was made that when Lake County was allowed to replace the Rangeline Road Bridge that the State Line Road Bridge would be rehabbed within 5 years, which is coming up soon. Wouldn't surprise me if they try to weasel out of it! It's a great recreation spot that could be made better with rehabilitation of the bridge and some road improvements and parking to the South.
Is this bridge still standing? I found an article from 2018 saying it may come down.
https://www.daily-journal.com/news/local/state-line-bridge-m...
This is a replacement, installed when Fall Creek Parkway was widened in the late 1970's or 1980's. The earlier bridge was the a plate girder pony truss with concrete facades. Does anyone know the date of replacement or details of the earlier bridge?
Luke-
"Apparently this bridge used to have false art deco concrete railings on the steel girder."
Not this bridge but the overpass just to the west over Fall Creek Parkway. That is it's own entry, Monon Trail - Fall Creek Parkway Overpass, bh39071. That entry could use some enlargement because the current bridge was the result of street widening in the 1980's I think. No mention of the old bridge and it's concrete facades.
Well, at least the railing on the bridge used clear panels so that the arches and arch webbing could be clearly seen. I agree that the off-structure railing isn't as visually appealing, but I've seen a lot worse.
At least the bridge is still around! I guess it is much better than the alternative.
Welcome to the new reality... they improved the railing at the one at the museum in Indy but it’s hard to meet the new codes elegantly. Personally, I’m a fan of the thin stainless wire used on ‘modern’ decks and stairs, but I don’t know if there is a special requirement for bridges that prohibit them.
Regards,
Art S.
This is an awesome bridge, but the safety railing around it is horrible. It really obscures a lot of it.
Apparently this bridge used to have false art deco concrete railings on the steel girder.
https://books.google.com/books?id=Y0-vEVUXb3QC&dq=monon&q=mo...
Thank you for sharing that Becky... I think you are absolutely right! I adjusted the pin to the East side of the current structure.
I don't think this location is correct. I believe the old covered bridge was to the east of the existing truss bridge, and not by much. There is concrete on both sides of the river just east of the iron bridge. If you look at the 1865 map, 900 west takes a sharp jog to the east over the river, hooking up with the slanted 825N. I think whatever bridge was there originally, was replaced with the covered bridge in the same spot.
PS Locals call this the Kelly Avenue bridge...
I just heard today that they have painted this bridge blue...!?!?!? I will check next time I am there.
John, I have noticed that and assume it is for railroad personnel for bridge inspection and such. That being said, the usual "No Trespassing" signs are absent from this bridge and I have noticed people walking across it.
Don Carter is the boy in the picture. He is around 76 now and lives in California.
Interesting this bridge has pedestrian safety features like grating and rails to keep you from falling from it.
Any movement Forward is good news ! I'm Thrilled !
ALL-FRICKIN RIGHT!!!!! Melissa: She-Who-Brings-Good-News
Photo number 1 is not the Harbison Road Bridge. It's probably Branch Jacks Defeat Creek Old IN 46 Bridge (BH 16659).
Matt and Tony,speaking of PennDOT i read in the local paper here in Reading Pa that PennDOT is having financial problems concerning long range infrastructure funding which means possibly bridge projects will be pushed back further for repair or replacement.I do agree that PennDOT has their way of thinking which doesn't sit well with people and I have my opinion which I can't print here due to a lot of cuss words.I'll keep everybody informed what happens with PennDOT and their funding problems for bridge projects.
You're spot on there, Tony. Indiana is light years ahead of my home state of Wisconsin on the preservation front; WisDOT is more like PennDOT in my estimation, and county level entities aren't any better. The entire state has only a handful of metal truss bridges still in service, and they seem intent to blow every one of them away, one by one. I live near Milwaukee, and the closest one that I can think of is 3 counties away. It's a crying shame to say the least!
They have actually rehabbed quite a few Matt, just not all of the remaining ones like I think they should!
Definitely still several steps above PennDOT.
They must be trying to take cues from PennDOT’s “Save None Trash All” program, Tony!
Yes, part of INDOT's "Save One-Trash One" program I believe! They just restored the one in Evansville so...
So Tony. I gather you're hearing that this bridge is to be replaced?
Unfortunately that got nixed by the short-sighted town counsel.
Anyone heard if this bridge is still going to Zionsville? Long time no hear.
Dear God that's horrific!
Thank you Melissa! Very cool old bridge!!
Thanks Tony !
Tony, that's Amazing. Thank you!
That's Neat !
The house in pics 1 and 2 is still there.
Clark, thank you! I knew it was not quite right
Oh Yes! Awesome pic!!!
In the winter months, you can follow 57 south towards Newberry and about where the Overflow bridge was, to the east, you will see the road bed for old 57 leading to the Cedar Tree pier.
Yes Don, I do believe they changed the alignment of the road when they built the new bridge.
And you know how excited I was that you found that photo!
My vote for "Historical Photo of the Year"!
Apparently it had a Warren All Verticals pony approach as well.
Ummm...
The Pier with the tree growing is from the covered bridge? That would align with the present Section street rather than Broad street, correct?
I was excited to find this photo!
Thanks Art !
I Love it. It's quite beautiful!
Hey Melissa! Here is some more remains for you! Dig the crazy Cedar Tree growing on it! My parents ALWAYS commented on it when we crossed the Newberry bridge! Newberry is a very boring drive now that this beaut is gone
I Love these !
Not much, but old and no doubt will be gone before you know it. Just a few hundred yards east of the Abandoned Railroad bridge 'Easter Island' monoliths.
Hey JP and Jim Grey. Move your pictures of the bridge to this entry from the Kitton Ditch entry and I'll shift mine to the back.
I highly recommend visiting it in it's home spot before it is relocated. Beautiful. And yay for saving it!
This amazing photo that Melissa found during her research shows the bridge a few years before all of the extra steel was added to it. While the added bracing and load-carrying beams undoubtedly saved this treasured landmark from certain destruction, it has long hidden just how spectacular this span really is! Hopefully a planned move to a park location will allow all of the added parts to be removed so the real beauty can shine through!
Thank you Zachary ! I'm enjoying finding them !
I am LOVING all these historical bridges found/added recently from old papers. It's exciting.
I'm happy it jogged your memory !
Crap! I forgot all about this bridge! My dad had a friend that lived there and we used to go fishing there a lot.
We went there today. It is beautiful!! July 22, 2019
Picture #24 is of the Erie Railroad swing bridge which was west of Hohman Avenue
Yes, it looks like they diverted the road to reach a narrower spot for the original bridge, and straightened the road with the new bridge.
It looks like this bridge was realigned just slightly to the north, judging on what looks like the old road as seen in photos 5 and 6. Input anyone?
Yay Pigeon Creek! Hope you took a ride on the Twin Bridges and all the other goodies in Eville!
It's a Beautiful 95 degree day here in Evansville and I had the pleasure of driving across this bridge. The bridge is Sky Blue and looks Amazing.
We need to get all the weird names together, by state, and have a contest to come up with the Best Names! Boner Road will be a hard one to beat! haw haw haw
...And Drunkard's Pike isn't too far away over in Owen County!
You watch your mouth there buddy! Don't want James banishing you to CulvertHunter.com do ya? ;-p
Yes. I just read Monon on one of my photos. Fluck Mill is a swell name. "That Road" (also no BS) is a little to the north.
From what I read it's more than repairs, although I would be more than happy if you are right and I am wrong!
This bridge is out for repairs now! IN 39 is closed.
I enjoy photo #4
Daviess County...... wow. Sooo many removals with no replacements. Why??? Must have gotten a lot in scrap.
Work has been taking place to rebuild the roof of the bridge. The entire old roof has been removed, and the new one is being put together on the ground.
Thanks Tony, I liked how the article described the bridge as a spiderweb over the river
Y'all are making my day ! Thursday October 4 2018 was my first post; field visit to Cherry Shoals Bridge. Winning Author's Choice and photo of the year from Bridgehunters Chronicles was an Honor. It has been a great year thanks to my fellow Bridgehunters.
Melissa honestly deserves an Othmann Award nomination, because she's become one of the site's best/most consistent contributors in what, less than a year?
Nick,all the credit goes to Melissa... She's doing an amazing job of finding all these lost beauties! I'm just happy to help her where I can!
Very cool stuff, Tony
Other than the deck and superstructure what is there left to replace? Sounds like the only parts left are the abutments.
Thanks Tony !
Thanks Art !
NP. It is a very pretty bridge, just wish we could get closer. If there are any others we need pictures of in Miami, Wabash, Fulton, or Kosciusco Counties in Indiana, please let me know... I love looking around at and sharing these beautiful bits of history. Have even found a couple that are not on the page here...
Thanks Jen! I went by this one a few years back on my way to the Chinworth Bridge and meant to run back and take a couple pics but spaced it!
Saw this one had no photos, so went out to grab a couple this evening. If anyone is hunting for this one and has trouble finding it, give me a holler.
The superstructure and deck for this bridge are being replaced; completion scheduled for around mid-August of this year.
My guess is that the truss legs had been encased in concrete... Which happened to most Bedsteads in their later years. The trusses were likely cut out and scrapped leaving just those pieces protruding from the ends.
Crummy ending for what could have been a real treasure!
I am not surprised but it's still upsetting they did not haul it away. Wow, just left it there to rot.
It's nice to see at least 1 pony truss escape the massacre that has besieged Greene and Owen Counties in the past couple years! Several nice older pinned Pratt ponies were needlessly scrapped!
Always good to hear of INDOT doing the right thing and saving it's remaining Parker truss spans!
This was the only arched example of a Warren Cantilever Bedstead that I have seen Mike. I believe that Jim Cooper had said it was the only example he had came across in the 80's.
The other bridge you mentioned was just a regular (albeit still rare IBCo. Warren Cantilever. I hope you find a hidden treasure down there!
Tony, are there anymore of this type of bridge that still exist? I know that Brewer Ditch, also in Greene Co, was one. I'm still trying to find a way to it. Goose Pond is a giant swamp.
Great News!! Now go save both the Twin Bridges!!
I actually found this sucker. At least, what's left of it. I believe, on what I can see of the remains, that it was just cut off, with the legs left in the side of the banks. Way too much vegetation to get a good look. Guaranteed I will be going back when the fall hits. I've got several more pix, will go thru them and see if any are worth a crap. Melissa, here is some more remnants for you!!
Yay ! Can't wait for my next trip to Evansville!
The rehabilitation work has been completed, and the bridge has been reopened to traffic.