View Information About HSR Ratings
This bridge contains an eight panel pin-connected camelback through truss with two seven panel pin-connected Pratt through truss spans. A plaque on the end of the bridge identifies the Champion Bridge Company as the builder and lists a 1912 construction date. As a three span truss bridge, this bridge is among the company's larger and more important surviving examples. The bridge is also noteworthy for having a pin-connected camelback truss span. Perhaps the most unusual thing however is that another similar bridge survives on the other side of the town.
The bridge is essentially abandoned and has been bypassed by a new bridge for quite some time although pedestrians can still walk on it. The bridge was converted for pedestrian use, however no additional work was done to the bridge. It connects downtown with a small railroad museum a short distance east of downtown Elkhorn City. It is a good example of reusing a historic bridge and yet not spending a lot of money to do it.
The bridge is unusual because despite a 1912 construction date, the bridge includes pin connections and lightweight truss members that are more like a bridge built perhaps 15 years earlier. One of the consequences of this later construction date is that the bridge is most likely steel. This seems readily apparent when looking at the condition of the bridge which is extremely poor, with some bottom chord connections displaying widespread 100% section loss to the point that some eyebars are on the verge of separating completely. The bridge, which does not appear to have had paint for a long time, likely has deteriorated so severely because the bridge is steel, which is far more susceptible to rust than wrought iron was. Given the condition of the bridge, restoration of the bridge would likely require dismantling the bridge and having to replicate a lot of parts on the bridge. Despite such a potential challenge, restoration is still something to consider given the significance of the bridge and relative rarity of such bridges in Kentucky.
Coordinates (Latitude, Longitude):
Search For Additional Bridge Listings:
Bridgehunter.com: View listed bridges within 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) of this bridge.
Bridgehunter.com: View listed bridges within 10 miles (16 kilometers) of this bridge.
Additional Maps:
Google Streetview (If Available)
GeoHack (Additional Links and Coordinates)
Apple Maps (Via DuckDuckGo Search)
Apple Maps (Apple devices only)
Android: Open Location In Your Map or GPS App
Flickr Gallery (Find Nearby Photos)
Wikimedia Commons (Find Nearby Photos)
Directions Via Sygic For Android
Directions Via Sygic For iOS and Android Dolphin Browser
USGS National Map (United States Only)
Historical USGS Topo Maps (United States Only)
Historic Aerials (United States Only)
CalTopo Maps (United States Only)
© Copyright 2003-2024, HistoricBridges.org. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer: HistoricBridges.org is a volunteer group of private citizens. HistoricBridges.org is NOT a government agency, does not represent or work with any governmental agencies, nor is it in any way associated with any government agency or any non-profit organization. While we strive for accuracy in our factual content, HistoricBridges.org offers no guarantee of accuracy. Information is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. Information could include technical inaccuracies or errors of omission. Opinions and commentary are the opinions of the respective HistoricBridges.org member who made them and do not necessarily represent the views of anyone else, including any outside photographers whose images may appear on the page in which the commentary appears. HistoricBridges.org does not bear any responsibility for any consequences resulting from the use of this or any other HistoricBridges.org information. Owners and users of bridges have the responsibility of correctly following all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, regardless of any HistoricBridges.org information.
