Meridian Street Bridge

Information and Findings From DHPA Historic Bridge Survey

Statement of Significance

Reinforced concrete through arches were frequently built in other parts of the country in the early decades of the twentieth century, and extant ones have often been listed on the National Register. Here is the only example extant in Indiana. Designed by a local engineer and built by a regionally-known contractor, the Meridian Street Bridge remains - as intended - a monument of statewide note to Portland's vigor. The bridge retains its architectural and structural integrity, including some of its electric light standards.

Architectural Description

The South Meridian Street Bridge knit Portland and South Portland together. A wrought iron bowstring through arch (possibly of Wrought Iron Bridge Company design) spanned the Salamonie here since about the 1870s. Around 1013 Portland's city leaders included a new concrete bridge in their civic improvement efforts which included a number of sewer lines, electric street lights in the city center, and brick paving and sidewalks for Meridian Street. Jay County was also planning the construction of a new Court House. O.O. Clayton, the city civil engineer who prepared a design for the proposed new bridge, planned a monument which kept the Salamonie River waterway as unobstructed as possible in an effort to limit the damage and inconvenience caused by frequent flooding. Clayton and the city's elected officials lobbied the county commissioners who on 2 December 1913 agreed to "build a better and neater bridge than they would in the country" but who insisted that the city pay for the sidewalks on a new bridge. Clayton met with the commissioners again to convince theme that the new bridge out to be of concrete and to approved a plan of his own design. Although challenged by Daniel Luten with the lowest bid at $9,840 - probably for a filled-spandrel concrete arch - the commissioners honored "the Clayton plan" and awarded the contract to I.E. Smith of Richmond for $10,240.

The new reinforced concrete through arches are as high as those of the old metal bowstring and the waterway clearance is great. The arches span 112' and carry a 30' roadway with 6' sidewalks built outside the arches.

Other Information

112 foot span; only concrete thru and tied arch in Indiana

Bridge plate text: "Meridian Street Bridge / Built: 1914 / Designed by: O.O. Clayton / Contractor: I.E. Smith / Reconstructed: 1997 / Engineer: Butler Fairman & Seuffert, Inc. / Contractor: Gohmann Asphalt & Construction, Inc. / Design Loading: HS20-44"

Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes