Historic Bridges of the U.S. | Range Line Road Bridge

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Photos

The west face

The Milwaukee River does not always look this bad. Heavy rains churned up lots of silt just prior to these photos being taken.

Photo taken by J.R. Manning in July 2007

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The north approach

This is an earthen-filled arch bridge, similar to many depression-era bridges built in Milwaukee County. The lannon stone cladding is another common feature. On this brige, triangular edged piers continue through the deck and become a part of the railing.

Photo taken by J.R. Manning in July 2007

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The west railing

Note the piers.

Photo taken by J.R. Manning in July 2007

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The deck and railing

Photo taken by J.R. Manning in July 2007

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The east rail and deck

Photo taken by J.R. Manning in July 2007

Lannon Stone

Written by J.R. Manning

"Lannon Stone" is a building material that is commonly used in the Milwaukee area. It was used extensively in Milwaukee County Parks during depression era construction projects for structures of all kinds, many of them were WPA projects.

From tiny control buildings to arch bridges to structures of many kinds, Lannon Stone is ubiquitous, even moreso than Cream City Brick, also a common building material in the area. Many county golf course buildings are constructed of the attractive, white stone, including clubhouses. For example, the impressive club house that overlooks the golf course in Brown Deer Park, is constructed of Lannon Stone. Brown Deer Park is the location of a PGA golf tournament, formerly known as the Greater Milwaukee Open.

The stone is actually dolomite but takes its name from the area, northwest of Milwaukee, from which it is quarried.

This bridge uses "Lannon Stone" for facing and parapet walls.

Facts

Overview: Concrete arch bridge over Milwaukee River on Range Line Road in River Hills
Location: Milwaukee County, Wisconsin
Status: Open to traffic
History: Built 1935
Design: Arch
Dimensions: Length of largest span: 50.9 ft.
Total length: 303.2 ft.
Deck width: 40.0 ft.
Recognition: Eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Inventory number: BH 34878 (Bridgehunter.com ID)
Inspection (as of 10/2006): Deck condition rating: Good (7 out of 9)
Superstructure condition rating: Good (7 out of 9)
Substructure condition rating: Poor (4 out of 9)
Appraisal: Structurally deficient
Sufficiency rating: 67.5 (out of 100)
Average daily traffic (as of 2004): 1,900