Avery Bridge

More pics from Stephen Ludwig, circa 1978, If these photos get incorporated into the main pics, please credit him. I just found them, 31 years later. :)

Pic 7) Main cables rest on a metal plate above frame to prevent shearing.

Pic 8) Ten lines of 2 x 4 inch stringers on edge are nailed across floor joists.

Pic 9) Cable through posts form a fence for safety in crossing.

Pic 10) Posts were bolted to outside stringer, this one has pulled loose from wear.

pic 11) Secondary cables are wrapped about the main cables.

Pic 12) Three lines of 2 x 8 inch boards create a wheel track which extends the life of the floor.

I hope I have the right bridge/location. This is the only one listed in Benton County as a Suspension Bridge over the Pomme De Terre River. The article states that "Though condemned for several years, the bridge is still needed and local traffic continues to cross cautiously. The total suspended length of this bridge is 280 feet."

I found these old photos in the online archive of Bittersweet, a publication done by students from Lebanon High School. I believe the pictures were taken by Stephen Ludwig, circa 1978. You can view the article here: http://thelibrary.springfield.missouri.org/lochist/periodicals/bittersweet/fa78g.htm

Pic 1) Cable suspension bridge as viewed from cable supports. (by Stephen Ludwig)

Pic 2) Main cables are anchored in concrete.

Pic 3) Concrete pillar for the steel frame cable supports

Pic 4) The bridge stands well above the river, supported only by twin steel cable

Pic 5) Condemned for public safety, the bridge is still used cautiously by local residents.

Pic 6) The bridge ends on a concrete abutment which serves to stabilize the approach.