Steinhart Park Road Bridge

If you are into these wooden thru arch bridges I believe there is another modern one like this in LaSalle County Illinois NOT currently listed on this website. I drove over it on the way to the Seneca Bridge.

To me, this is an example of a modern bridge that DOES deserve inclusion in this site. In the "about this site" page, the grand webmaster includes reference to newer bridges that use old designs, arches and trusses and such. This bridge is notable for its uniqueness and use of materials. http://bridgehunter.com/help/about

I fully agree that this bridge is very unique and has the potential to become historic sometime in the future. But, having said that, I'm of the mindset that the name of the website is "Historic Bridges of the United States", so I personally would probably not place this bridge on this site, just because of the name. This bridge would be an excellent entry for Landmarkhunter.com, however, because that title is "Historic and NOTABLE landmarks of the US". This bridge is certainly notable, just not historic--yet.:>)

This is a very unique and interesting span to say the least.

Does it belong on Historic Bridges of the U.S. ....well, probably not (technically....at least) but I personally have less of a problem with it being on here than many others that have been added lately. This bridge reminds me of the Tied-Arch spans (Ohio had several of them) of the early 1800's. The retro aspect of this bridge is what gives it appeal......at least in my eyes.

I think that this bridge belongs on this website. Now, if these bridges started appearing by the thousands, then I would consider them to be too common for inclusion, but for now, this appears to be a unique structure.

>>Here is one for debate: This bridge was built in the late 90's so its quite modern. But design wise, it is a wood through arch bridge. So what does everyone think about this one?<<

My thought is that is it has features that are TRULY unique, such as you are describing, then it certainly merits mention. I use that criteria in including modern bascule and vertical lift bridges on the website.

Ferryboats were included on this site long before I became involved; I have authored or added to entries to ferryboats on the website. I understand they are not bridges, but do serve a similar function to bridges. In every case, they have been custom-designed for the particular location. There is no such thing as a "stock" ferryboat. Because of my line of work I have a ready source of information and photos...

However, "slab bridge that replaced something that once was here" does not cut it. (Sheldon, please take note.)

RKT

Lately the debate on bridgehunter has been about posting modern bridges vs. historic/antique ones. Here is one for debate: This bridge was built in the late 90's so its quite modern. But design wise, it is a wood through arch bridge. So what does everyone think about this one?