Shawnee Bridge

Visited on May 30, 2021. This bridge looks as beautiful as the day it was opened. Its fully coated with a vivid paint and the two portal plagues are decorated in yellow lettering as a pleasant contrast. The finials and lattice work stand out boldly. You certainly have to be proud to see the preservation work given it.

I visited the bridge yesterday and it had a fresh coat of paint. That’s probably why it was closed.

The family and I took a drive to Williamsport Falls and was hoping to drive across the Shawnee bridge but it was closed. Does anyone know why?

We drove down to see it and there were construction vehicles on the bridge but since it was a Sunday, no one was around to ask.

This is a beloved landmark in the area from what I was told. I don't see it going anywhere, but I do hope a full restoration comes soon. Truly one of Indiana's majestic spans!

Drove over this bridge earlier today. It is indeed a majestic bridge as you drive up to it, and then crossing over seeing the Wabash stretch away on either side. Noticed some damage to guard rail on the right hand side as I was driving towards Williamsport, hopefully that will be looked at soon. Would hate seeing this Beauty replaced by an Eyesore.

It is indeed a rare and unique treasure! I talked to a Warren County official recently concerning the bridge. I was told that talks are under way concerning the restoration of this local landmark.

One of the most historic bridges in Indiana in my opinion. There has always been a feeling of grandure as you aproach this magnificant structure! It should really be restored as it is just one of two of its type left. Thanks for posting all these wonderful bridges.

The detail on the finials is incredible! Neat bridge!!

Tony, you’re welcome. Yes, the cresting on this bridge is a rare find, not many left that have it, and this is in near perfect condition. Other than the plaque missing from one end this bridge retains all of its original features including the guard rails and cut stone abutments that haven’t been reinforced or modified.

I’m posting a few more pictures that I found.

There used to be several bridges in this area that had either ornate cresting or decorated portals but most of them are now long gone. Tioga Bridge is another fine example, and luckily still survives and is being restored.

I have a few old pictures of the bridge on 800E, but I never actually saw it myself, it was torn down before I became interested in bridges or exploring the area.

Webmaster's note: The photos that were here have been incorporated into the main site.

Wayne, Thanks and no I don’t mind at all.

I probably should have attempted to touch up that photo before I posted it. I had a terrible time getting that photo, there’s only a plaque at one end of the bridge and there are a lot of trees that overhang the road so in order to get a clear shot you have to stand what seems like directly under it. Of course I happened to show up just as the sun was directly in line with the plaque.

Tom

Thanks for the pics of Shawnee Bridge. It and the Tioga Bridge are probably two of the nicest in that part of the state. Both feature beautiful cresting on the portals. There was a twin to the Shawnee Bridge on 800E, but unfortunately it did'nt survive.

Hey Tom......This one's in your neck of the woods. Do you happen to have any pics of this bridge? It's one I've wanted to visit, but don't seem to get that way. I know it's called the Shawnee Bridge, and is a 5-span Lattice Thru truss built by the Attica Bridge Co.

Thanks, Tony