Gallman Road Bridge

Matt,

If you hit me over the head enough times, I may eventually get it...

Thanks for bearing with me.

Regards,

Art S.

Art,

We understand what you're saying, and we agree 100%. Take a look at the new plaque in pic #5, NOT #4--this is the plaque I'm referring to...they spelled "COUMBUS"...it's supposed to be "COLUMBIA". That's the issue here.

Tony,

Upon David Morison's (the founder of Columbia Bridge Works) death in 1882, the company was passed to his sons and renamed Columbia Bridge Co. The factory continued to operate in Dayton, Ohio. The plaques in picture 4 say: (upper) "Columbia Bridge Works Dayton O" (lower) "The Columbia Bridge Co., Successors to D.H. & C.C. Morrison".

In other words, any Columbia Bridge Works bridge made after 1882, while labeled as Columbia Bridge Works and to the same designs and style, made in the same factory (upper plaque, seen in picture 4) was technically built by the Columbia Bridge Co. (lower plaque).

Regards,

Art S.

The plaque that Matt was referring to is the one in pic #5 that was placed on the railing after the bridge was moved from Mercer County. The builder is incorrectly identified as the Columbus Bridge Company of Dayton.

Unfortunately I see this happen all the time on these modern plaques as hearsay information is not verified. In this case it was a simple act of carelessness as the builder is clearly identified on the historic plaques.

Tony,

Look carefully at picture 4 and read the transcription to it's right.

Regards,

ArtS.

It must be an Ohio thing then... cause we don't narrow them here in Indiana.

Art, Matt is speaking of the new plaque that was placed after the bridge was relocated. It is incorrect in that it states "Columbus Bridge Company", which was a completely different firm that operated out of the state capitol.

It has to do with the 85 per sq. Ft that pedestrian loading requires. Our engineer has figured out loading that works to prevent the skunny. Its not a non sensical law...it is engineers that aren't willing to look a little further or use tge lowest numbers possible in their modeling because they dont know.

There are ways....

Matt,

I have recently learned that "Columbia Bridge Works" became "Columbia Bridge Co." with the death of its founder David H. Morrison in 1882 but continued using the "Columbia Bridge Works" sign - look at picture 4 above and it is explained.

It's still the same company and the same product so the category should not be subdivided here but it does explain why the plaque is correct.

Regards,

Art S.

Tony,

My understanding is that there is some nonsensical law that requires this. I don't know if the rule/law is tied to money or liability but I agree with you that it is silly.

Regards,

Art S.

I just wish they wouldn't narrow these trusses when they convert them to pedestrian use. It's like the bridge width has to match that of the trail, when in reality a wider and more historically accurate span is more appealing.

The folks who put the plaque on the railing need to fix the builder name--they put "Columbus Bridge Company" rather than "Columbia Bridge Works" on it.

Here are some shots of the Gallman Road Bridge from 18 February 2012