It sure as hell does work!! The power line above sizzles and the hairs on your arm will stand on end after a few minutes. It is Twilight-Zone-Worthy!!
.............did it work?..........
Visited bridge with my a couple of my kids. My 21 year old son, who is not exactly enamored with bridges, declared: Best Bridge Ever! Very neat, not the best, of course. Well worth a visit with the fam! Will post a video ASAP.
Road shut down for the next 2 weeks while the truss is removed and the new bridge prepared.
An article about some history of the bridge: http://historycenterfw.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-oldest-iron-...
Still not open but it looks ready. Damn fine job too!
Yeah,Dave.He'd be a great guinea pig for that.
Calling Uncle Fester !
Yeah.I think we'd all like to see that!
Bulb in teeth fluorescent tube in each hand, touch railing with tube. Works! Take friend to take picture..........
Lived right next to it - 1535 Michigan Ave (In25) while growing up 1944-62; Learned to swim, ice skate, fish, trap right there.
This phenomenon is not as unique as one would think...the effect on the rail is due to electrical induction, which is a result of the bridge rails being in close proximity to high-voltage transmission lines with the rails not having proper grounding. This same phenomenon was occurring on a new pedestrian bridge the MN Twin Cities area that was built about a decade ago now, where the bridge passed underneath a double-circuit 345kV line--people were actually getting significant electric shocks when they passed over the bridge, due to the railings not being grounded as well as the height of the steel fence railings on either side. The builders of the bridge were forced to add grounding to the railings, which has fixed the problem.
............wonder if you hold bulb in teeth and touch railing.......
Forgot to mention that I couldn't find this story in the online edition.
Indy Star Metro Sunday section had the story, along with 2 photos of the reporter and others with their light bulbs indeed illuminated.
As far as the notable goes... I would travel to this bridge before I would go out of my way to see a cable-stayed!
How about some photos showing the discussed electrical novelties?
Crappy name.
Why not "Underwear Bridge"? Street view shows several skidmarks.
Now THIS is a UCEB that I will add to my Indiana bucket list. If I ever get tired of looking at Whipple trusses I will definitely have to head out to this one.
Its kind of like licking hallucinogenic toads , bridge that lights up light bulbs, who the heck discovers these things? Just saying....
Yes. I will be making the journey soon.
"Historic and NOTABLE bridges of the U.S."
Says so right on the label....
I would notice a bridge that lit up the florescent tube I carry on my head.
I reckon half the bridges posted here in the past year are non-historic. Just saying.
UCEB, non historic
Unbelievably Curious Electrical Bridge. There. You are let off the hook
Yes, after cringing several times and debating within myself... I have added a non-historic bridge on Bridgehunter!
The "Electric Bridge" offers a chance to see extreme static electricity at work from 345,000 volt power lines next to the bridge. Travel to this NE Shelby County bridge in the evening. Stand on the bridge holding a fluorescent tube over your head and it will illuminate. Touch a regular screw-in type bulb to the otherwise ugly bridge railing and it too will light up! The Indy Star ran a story in today's paper, but I haven't found it online yet.
So, 2 unique phenomenons at work here...
1) The unique power of electricity at work.
2) Me adding a UCEB on Bridgehunter.
I Pray the latter NEVER happens again!
Nice find Mike! Have driven ones as such, some scarier than others! Thanks for making the journey
I would not drive a vehicle over this old-timer (It was kinda scary walking over it), but I believe that it may still be used by brave Owen County farmers.
Art, I agree with your assessment. Now we just need to find a way to preserve these bridges. Demolition by neglect is just as bad as demolition by cutting torch. The only difference is with abandoned bridges we at least have a short window in which to do something.
Maple Rapids Bridge, Columbia Bridge, that Hammond truss in Illinois, the BBW Bowstring in Iowa...all gone...
Othmar H Ammann worthy for Sure! Coming soon!
Art think we need a friends of Bridgehunter to FUND back up and Band width. James how about adding a funding option?
Robert,
For me Michael Quiet's 1868 vertical end post, Phoenix Column, Whipple (Pulp Mill Bridge) is number one. This is followed by his 1869 Cross Power Bridge a skewed, two span, Phoenix Column Whipple both in NH. Fulton Farms Bridge - Identified as CBW and Nick's Clark's Creek Whipple follow closely behind.
There are still some really great survivors that haven't made the site yet.
I agree with you on the importance of finding images documenting the diversity and profusion of what once was. I think the site is becoming a real resource; I hope the database has been properly backed up.
Regards,
Art S.
Yes, these last couple of years have been marked with some phenomenal discoveries.
Okay, this might be a homer pick, but I personally think that the Clarks Creek Whipple Truss in Geary Co. just might be a top ten discovery in the history of this website. Nick knocked the ball out of the park, over the roof, and across the parking lot on that one!
At the same time, several contributors have been finding photographs of long lost bridges. These bridges might not be standing any longer, but thanks to those old photographs, we can still learn about them.
Robert,
That's thee beauty of the unknown!
I've come across a number of undocumented bridges. Most (but not all) of the stuff back east are early stone arches and abandoned wooden rail structures. Most of the larger metal (truss) bridges were removed or are known.
I think there is stuff in central and western PA, western and Northern NY, rural OH and all over WV. I also think the south may reveal some unknown gems.
I'm really impressed with the early and significant bridges that have been added here in the past year or two.
Regards,
Art S.
what time of day do trains go
When I first started looking for bridges in Kansas, I expected that perhaps a few would appear amid the trees. I never imagined the sheer number that ended up appearing in recent years. Nick has taken bridge discovery to a whole new level. While I don't think that there is still a large number of bridges waiting to be discovered in Kansas, there might still be a few more hiding out there. I always look forward to Nick's discoveries because many of the bridges that he is found are of national significance and some of them are of very high National significance. He might find a few more bridges in Kansas yet.
I would expect that a person can find a lot of abandoned bridges in the eastern United States given the heavier population and the large number of rivers and streams there. I would think the in rural areas of New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, one might find some abandoned bridges but I have not spent much time in that area.
That being said, if a person wants to find some unknown bridges, Nebraska might be a good state. There have been relatively few Bridgehunters working in Nebraska, but the state has a surprising number of truss bridges especially in the Southeastern area.
Not saying there's not a few hiding up here Mike, but definitely nothing like there is in Kansas. More wide open spaces and abandoned roads than you will ever see in the Hoosier State.
These modern bridge pictures are a poor excuse for their originals, but I have a good time locating them. Plus, you never know when you might find something interesting.
Yes, I appreciate seeing all these bridges that you have been tracking down. It is good that they were photographed back in the day.
I have really been amazed at what Nick has found. He has discovered some incredible bridges that I had no idea existed. I would not be surprised if there still some great bridge is hiding in the trees in Indiana.
I am still trying to find these forgotten gems that, no doubt, are still stashed away. Will keep trying! Maybe Nick Schmiedeler can come over here and shake the trees and a few will pop out!
I clicked on this page hoping to read about another bridge I could visit whenever I get to Indiana. Then I realized it was lost...
This would have been a nice one to save.
Great little bridge. Don't try to take a car back it see it though. The hills in the area will laugh at you.
"Newbern Bridge Haw Creek"??? Tony! What name should this bridge go by? "Lincoln Park" bridge? Lincoln Park/Newbern" bridge? "Good-Job-Not-Recycling-This-Bridge-Bartholomew-County" bridge???
Talked to a local gentleman who told me that Galbraith had been open about 6 months. Unfortunately, Fall Fork bridge is still closed. He did not know whether it is to be repaired or not.
Visited this bridge today. It is closed and badly overgrown, so sad.
That part of the old highway still has the original brick surface. Very neat.
The bridge has been moved to 9478 Loches rd. Saint Louisville, Oh 43071
The Army still controls the land to the West and has the bridge gated at the East portal to keep people out. I'm more worried about trees falling on it than the government tearing it down. I wish they would decommission that section and deed it to the state as part of Atterbury Fish & Wildlife Area. It could then be restored and join these other 2 beauties!
James Cooper thought this bridge possibly was a bridge noted in records from 1920, but his wording suggested he was somewhat uncertain about this. My field visit of this bridge shows USS brands on upper and lower chords. USS did not start branding its own logo onto steel until ca. 1952-1953, using the names of constituent companies like Carnegie until that time. Therefore, I suggest this bridge dates to between 1952 and 1970. No later than 1970 due to the use of rivets.
http://historicbridges.org/bridges/browser/?bridgebrowser=in...
Aside from the fact that this one is a Whipple, it sure has some awesome portal bracings. Being in Indiana, it should be safe from demolition, I hope.
Great shot. You should post this to the Shelhorn Bridge page instead of just here in the comments.
Indeed Nathan, that is the same bridge!
I visited this bridge a few months ago, and will be adding it to HistoricBridges.org soon. Anyway in researching my page for the bridge, I had reviewed Dr. James Cooper's notes... he does not have any detailed history for this bridge, but he does indicate that this bridge was constructed in 1920. I also found a bridge that I think is this bridge as shown in a Luten catalog from 1924 as I am showing here. As you can see the railings are different. The railings seen on the bridge today, which resemble a design I think that Indiana was using in the 1940s, may be the reason for the 1946 date (railing and maybe deck replacement).
Very helpful; thanks guys!
This bridge is actually inside the Lake county fairgrounds.
...And an incorrect date can be something as simple as them repaving the deck!
Indianapolis has a large number of Luten arches built between 1900 and 1925. Some of them (http://bridgehunter.com/in/marion/4900229/) have dates that are from much later, probably representing a major rehab.
Is that 1946 date correct? Per Wikipedia, that's the year Luten died, at age 76. Was he really working right up to the end?
The bridge piers still stand, but have suffered from erosion. The piers(2) do not look the same as those shown in the photograph. A low-head dam was built just upstream of the piers in the mid-1950s.
I question whether this photograph is the bridge over the Flatrock River at this location.
I live across the street from the lot with the dam and remaining piers.
Photos by P.J.Hana, an acquaintance of mine. Photos made 10 August, 2017.
The east dam abutment looks similar to the west abutment shown.
Thank you Michael!
I added additional information today provided to me by Professor Jim Cooper who had done extensive research of records in most Indiana Counties. Needless to say he was delighted to see a photo of the bridge and know that at least 1 Lenticular truss was indeed constructed in the Hoosier State!It was built in 1883 and no surprise that Berlin IBC was the builder. Those massive abutments cost about 5 times as much as the superstructure, But they lasted until the replacement bridge was raised in 2000! And it looks like in current satellite imagery that part of the larger West abutment might still remain today.
I had actually been looking for a Lenticular that I was told existed in nearby Shelby County, but so far have found that many of the earlier bridges there were Bowstrings. But hey... you never know, another one may show up some day!
This is an incredible find, thank you Tony! In all my research on Berlin Iron Bridge Co. I've never found any indication that anything had been built farther west then Ohio (Excepting Texas of course).
We can spot a few unique design details here: The compression members are rolled, not built up, and we can see that the endpost in built up with battens. Its remarkably similar to this extant one in NY:
Agreed Robert! This one has no business being on this site!
I am hoping to visit Indiana someday, due to the unrivaled collection of historic bridges there. I will probably bypass this one though...
Would it be possible to post some of these listings over on www.uglybridges.com. Despite the name, ugly bridges is a good website for those who like bridges in general, namely modern concrete overpasses. You can also cross list historic bridges between bridgehunter and ugly bridges. Ugly bridges is actually a good resource that is being underutilized.
That way, we can reserve Bridgehunter for bridges that are historic and notable (including modern bridges that are notable such as cable stayed, network arches, quality replicas, etc).
Would have been about 1916 Donna, as the current Luten Bridge was started then.
I found an old pic of it and created a page here:
What year was the metal bridge tore down on Michigan Street ?
Yeah, I'm finding out that it's anything but Bullet-proof Nathan! And I had inquired about punishment after Lawrence County demolished 2 Select spans "In-house", for which I never did get a straight answer! The process was good of intention, but even from the beginning nowhere near perfect. I was disappointed with quite a few wrong determinations that the overpaid Minnesota consulting firm made. While we were able to get some of the decisions reversed, others remained the same. I had even mentioned at the time about the ability to add another structure to the "Select" list anytime that one is lost, but nothing came of that. I do think that overall it has still mostly been a success, but wish it were even more than that! And yes, little plain slabs like this one are harder to make a case for when compared to a truss bridge or a graceful set of arches.
While this bridge is (in my opinion) not the most beautiful or significant historic bridge, I was deeply disturbed to read that the bridge is to be demolished and replaced, even though it is a Select Bridge under the Indiana Historic Bridge Management Plan. This will be the second bridge in Indiana that I know of which has found a way to ignore the Select listing which was supposed to guarantee preservation of the bridge. The first one was an exceedingly rare Melan arch in Indianapolis. Therefore, having seen this happen not once but twice now, it is clear that the concept of Indiana's Historic Bridge Management plan has a loophole that no doubt will be increasingly exploited by owners and consulting engineers. http://www.batesvilleheraldtribune.com/news/local_news/exper...
Maybe was but it was partially wiped out. Probably another pony truss bridge.....
Looks like it's still in use on a private lane, also looks as though the creek crosses the road again... Wonder if there is another old bridge on this road!
This bridge has been extremely altered on the left side. Its also listed on shaard.
This what gives me hope, that we haven't found everything in Indiana Yet.
Glad to have you with us Mike! You can always contact me with any questions! And I'm sure most of the other good people here would tell you the same!
I got to see this place I moved from indy in ,79 to Ky I am new to bridge hunters I can't stop looken!
Harley, I can pretty much assure you that any of these state built spans from the 30's and 40's did indeed replace earlier structures! Most state highways were important early roads that were taken over by the state starting in the 1920's, and many of those had bridges that were quickly deemed inadequate for heavier traffic.
Our county board soon recognized the necessity of better crossings over the streams of the county. At the June session of 1870, seven thousand dollars was appropriated to erect a 130-foot iron span bridge on stone work near Thorntown, over Sugar Creek; also five thousand dollars to erect a similar structure over Eagle Creek at Zionsville, and four thousand dollars for one over Sugar Creek at Mechanicsburg. The erection of these three structures were all made out of general county revenue. For ten years our county fathers were content without further bridge accommodations.
If this was built in the 1940's, there must have been one previous.
What are/were the brick walls with arches north and south of the bridge?
Severns was an early settler who for a time lived in caves near the present day Patoka.
Is there a cave, called Severns Cave near this area of the bridge? My cousin is wanting to know. Thanks!
It took these videos a week from it's removal. I returned later and found a gaping hole. Unfortunately, no vehicles with "CLR" around. Don't have any other info.
This bridge was on CR 300 W; just west (downstream) of the NYC double track bridge over the Iroquois River, itself just a short distance west of the US 41 bridge over the river. I grew up in this area.
These are a few pics I took of the Williams Bridge back on August 10, 2013
Yes, that might be behind the confusion... Road bridge is what's documented here.
The little bridge on the road over the creek is hard to see. The railroad bridge has steel stringers.
Dave, I took the pics of this little span several years ago before I had any real interest in concrete structures... And even now that is mostly just arches. I don't think I could crawl under it if I wanted to, but it's definitely not a steel stringer.
NBI has this little bridge as a steel stringer. I don't see a tee beam as it's listed.
Tried to access this bridge to take pictures, however despite online map listings, CR 1150N, once west from the CR 800W T-intersection, becomes nearly impassible. Even 4 wheel drive vehicles or ATVs wouldn't be recommended. Sullivan County no longer maintains this section, nor does it maintain CR 875W. The bridge may still be intact, but the only recommended access is by foot (and in very dry weather, as the area is prone to flooding).
The road, "Farmersburg Street", had been closed (and actually removed) due to mining. A couple of years ago, however, a gravel road was put back in place, mainly for farming access on the formerly mined land. While rough, it does lead up to the remaining paved road just south of the bridge, and the bridge can be driven over. The barriers on the north side have been mostly removed from the roadway (and can be passed easily from either direction). While the "Road Closed" and "Blasting Area" signs remain, they're becoming quickly overgrown.
Fleeta I sent you an email
May need some help on iron bridge structures, this bridge
is highly significant in the evolution of the Indianapolis
Bridge company - Indiana Bridge Company.
Planning to put this bridge on National Register fist, then
Sparksville.
Problem with river erosion-Commissioners and Indot will probably want to destroy this structure if possible, not realizing the significance of the this structure as they did with the Post combination truss to engineering history.
We can arrest and build bigger jails and court rooms
but we can't spend a dime on anything which might attract
someone to visit Jackson County which might provide someone
a job.
Interested in the interaction of various bridge companies and the personal relationship with the various players in the Indiana Bridge Company.
Sad news of this loss... The bridge was poorly maintained for decades, but still could have been rehabilitated! A very scenic location has been scarred by a slab of pure ugliness!
Lawrence County fails yet again!
Bridge has been removed now, and replaced with a boring, modern bridge. Great job Lawrence county:/
The road was indeed realigned for the new bridge, based on what my father has told me. Portions of the old road still exist just off the new alignment.
Excellent that their are pix on the way. Boo that it is damaged. I have tried to get permission to see this bridge for quite a while with no luck.
Interesting that this is heralded as a Section 106 success:
http://www.achp.gov/docs/Section106SuccessStory_MiltonMadiso...
Damaged again, trucker caught:
https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/indiana/articles/201...
Ron has sent me some photos of this Bedstead truss, which unfortunately has suffered a near catastrophic failure due to flooding. It would take someone removing the trusses and having them repaired. This bridge is located in a rather remote location. I will add the photos ASAP.
I have some pictures of this bridge if interested. It recently lost it's middle section of concrete to high water. Have pics of before and after.
This is a Whipple truss, despite the fact that the interpretive sign depicts a covered bridge.
My buddy Tom Hall had talked about this bridge a few years ago but never got a chance to photograph it, good to see some pics!
This bridge is VERY visible from I65, in the middle of a windmill field. Also, just around 1,000 feet to the east, on ditch, is this abutment.