Article concerning the contstruction of this bridge as well as the nearby Creamery Bridge:
http://osawatominews.com/?p=884
The article discusses an older bridge that pre-dated the Marsh Arch over Pottawatomie Creek. It is my understanding that this bridge was never demolished. There is a Parker truss on that old alignment:
Osawatomie Graphic Article concerning the future of this bridge: http://www.kccommunitynews.com/osawatomie-graphic-news/28158...
H/T Nathan Holth www.historicbridges.org
It is sad all the confusion and misunderstanding that goes on with historic bridges. Historic preservation laws will allow for extensive repairs, even in-kind replacement of significant portions of original material if needed. The only restriction is probably deck width, and as Robert says, this should not be an issue. Here is a newer non-editorial article http://www.herald-online.com/2011011913246/news/miami-county... and here is the RFP for design services: http://www.miamicountyks.org/bids/FAS_581.pdf
Thanks for the link. One of the reasons that so many Marsh Arch bridges have been demolished is their width. The editorial seems to be arguing that because of restrictions, a bridge should not be listed on the NRHP while it still carries traffic.
I am certainly not against making necesary repairs to strengthen the bridge, nor would I oppose bypassing the bridge. As far as big vehicles are concerned, there is a four-lane modern bridge over Pottawatomie Creek about a 1/2 mile to the east.
Sounds like Osawatomie wants to "improve" this bridge, but cannot because it's on the National Register of Historic Places: http://micofriday.com/2011011413232/opinion/editorials/histo...
Seems like they're missing the point of the purpose of the historic designation. Is there any way to widen this bridge without substantially changing it's character and historic significance? That's what the registry is designed to protect.
A close look at the street view reveals that butresses may have been removed from the approach spans. This has been noted by KSHS: http://www.kshs.org/resource/national_register/nominationsNR...
Thanks for the new photos. It is good to have pictures of the underside and substructure on here.