Dresden Suspension Bridge (1914)

I would love to know how Ohio managed to get around Section 106 on this bridge, as the Muskingum River is not and will never be commercially navigable above Ellis Dam. The only boaters who boat on this section are fishermen and the further north you go from the boat ramp under the bridge, the shallower this pool becomes, to the point it gets treacherous to navigate by jon boat or even jet boat.

Ed,

I added these dates to the history:

Bridge bypassed in 1989, bridge painted in 1997.

Just looked at this listing for the first time and have a question. When was the bridge bypassed? It seems like an important piece of information on this bridge.

Guys, I heard the news about the proposal to tear down the bridge. The local news channel who covered the story provided an email for the public to comment on regarding the project. I just wrote to ODOT advocating to preserve the bridge. I urge you all to email ODOT, asking them to preserve and restore the bridge instead of demolishing it!

ty.thompson@dot.ohio.gov

Well, that is beyond disappointing. I would think its status as a rare eyebar chain suspension span would have gained it more preservation interest. Not only that, but it is one impressive structure with its suspended side span as well as the main span and the tower that looms above the Muskingum floodplain like a giant. You just don't see suspension bridges in the heart of Ohio, let alone eyebar chain ones!

Just got a "surprise" email this morning about a meeting where I have learned the ODOT district that owns this bridge is seeking demolition of this bridge, which is one of the most unique and significant bridges in Ohio. The demolition apparently doesn't need federal funding or Army Corps permits so Section 106 doesn't apply. They say the actual project is 3-4 years out. I am deeply disappointed that demolition would even be considered for a bridge of this rarity.

Todd,

The bridge remains owned by Ohio DOT District 5, I would encourage you to write them and express support for this bridge to be opened. The bridge is in decent condition.

Ohio has rail trails. The Hudson River rail bridge at Poughkeepsie NY is a walkway “park”. On this website there is a landscape area presumably a park. Why cannot Dresden incorporate their abandoned piece of history into a footbridge instead of letting it deteriorate into scrap steel. C’mon people. Ohio is full of history.

1914

Dresden Suspension Bridge

Dresden, Ohio

We just completed a short documentary video on the history of the Dresden Bridge. Click on the link below to see a video on the bridge. http://www.scorphq.com/YouTube/pg.php?v=59Du-3QAMyA

Pic of current bridge with old bridge from http://www.dot.state.oh.us/