Full Throttle Saloon Bridge #1

Timber deck fire is what destroyed an iron truss leading to Belle Isle in Michigan in the early 20th Century. In the case of this bridge, they are lucky to remain standing. In one of the newspaper photos however, its clear that a number of the floorbeams are now sagging severely, so certainly those were compromised. A bottom chord segment appears also to be sagging. Hopefully they at least leave them standing as long-functional monuments. Looks like they one of the few parts of the complex to not be totally destroyed. http://rapidcityjournal.com/photos/full-throttle-saloon-fire...

The Full Throttle Saloon is in ashes. Looks like the trusses are still standing. Hope they weren't damaged and will be preserved again.

I added the excellent pre-relocation photos that Lou posted in the forum into the actual gallery for easier viewing.

These bridges are going to get some more attention since this bar will be on Tru TV. An episode apparently has someone attempting to jump off the bridge. http://www.trutv.com/shows/full_throttle_saloon/index.html

Bismark Bridge in its original location...

Bismark Bridge in its original location...

Bismark Bridge photos in origial location

Photos of the Bismark Bridge in its location...now a attraction at Full Throtle.

The two sections of bridge when together were called the Bismark Bridge. It was built in 1912 by the Canton Bridge Co. The two sections were a total of 274'. It was originally located 6 miles east of a tiny town called Vale, SD It was sold and moved to its present location (30 miles) in Aug.2008. Was on the National Historic Register.

The bridge plate is still in place. The deck is wooden planks. It was closed for safety reason and a new concrete one built beside it in summer of 2007.

We'd love to see these Lou!

I have several photos of the Bismark Bridge when it was in its origianl location.

Makes me want to don a Harley and take a ride!! :>)

I wished more private business owners would follow this example.

An excellent example of how creative thinking can lead to a unique adaptive reuse for a historic bridge.

I found several Flickr photos of higher resolution for both of these Saloon bridges, but all of them are "All Rights Reserved" and not allowed for reuse as such, but I did post links to them in the External Links section for each bridge.

Now here is an interesting way to preserve a bridge--relocate it to a biker bar and use it as a stage and a bar! Now, this bridge and the other one had to be relocated to the saloon, but, obviously, the bridges were in service somewhere else. Does anyone have a clue? I would like to know the history of these bridges.