|
 |
|
| Key Facts |
| Bridge Name | Facility Carried / Feature Intersected | Location | Structure Type | Construction Date and Builder/Engineer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Main Avenue Bridge
Cleveland Memorial Shoreway Bridge | Main Avenue (Cleveland Memorial Shoreway) Over Cuyahoga River | Cleveland: Cuyahoga County, Ohio | Metal Cantilever Rivet-Connected Pratt Deck Truss, Fixed and Approach Spans: Metal Deck Girder, Fixed | 1939 By Builder/Contractor: Unknown |
| Technical Facts |
| Rehabilitation Date | Main Span Length | Structure Length | Roadway Width | Main Spans | Approach Spans | NBI Number |
| 2007 | 400 Feet (121.9 Meters) | 8000 Feet (2438.4 Meters) | 82 Feet (25 Meters) | 10 | 30 | 1800035 |
Until 2007, this bridge was the longest bridge in the state. The recent completion of the cable-stayed bridge in Toledo, which is 8800 feet is now the longest. However, this bridge can still be considered the longest historic bridge in Ohio. The total structure length of this historic bridge including ramps is 8000 Feet / 1.5 Miles (2438.4 Meters / 2.4 Kilometers). The main structure alone is listed as 6580 Feet / 1.25 Miles (2005.6 Meters / 2 Kilometers). The bridge's clearance over the river is 100 Feet (30.5 Meters).
This bridge is a significant example of a deck cantilever structure, and represents a significant engineering achievement of the time. Five people were killed during the construction of this bridge.
This bridge is also significant for association with Federal Depression public works funding programs, something shared by a number of Cleveland bridges.
In 2007, the bridge was undergoing a repainting project, which suggests that the future for this historic bridge is bright. Previous projects dated to 1992 and 1978.
Information and Findings From Ohio's Historic Bridge InventorySetting/Context The bridge was constructed as part of the Memorial Shoreway. It carries 6 lanes of traffic over the river and valley and is one of the major viaducts in the city. Physical Description The bridge's main spans are 10 continuous-cantilever deck trusses ranging in span length from 200' to 400'. The approach spans are continuous steel girder-floorbeam spans. One of the girder-floorbeam spans at the west end is over 270' long, which was then the longest span girder built in America. Integrity Has integrity. Summary of Significance The 1940 cantilever truss bridge was determined eligible in 2002 as part of rehabilitation planning. The Main Avenue bridge, which was built under the auspices of the WPA, is significant as the central feature of
Cleveland's urban regional traffic plan, one of the earliest in the nation adopted in the early 1930s. The route was intended to relieve city streets of cross-town and through traffic. The truss itself is in the tradition of
cantilever trusses dating to the early 20th century and followed on the heels of Wilbur Watson's successful 1932 Lorain-Carnegie Bridge. Justification The bridge is one of 11 remaining examples of the design used for long, major crossings of both deck and thru trusses. They date from 1922 through the interstate era. This is not the most significant example. The bridge has moderate significance. Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes |
Click on a thumbnail or gallery name below to visit that particular photo gallery. If videos are available, click on a video name to view and/or download that particular video.
|
Bridge Photo-Documentation
|
A collection of overview and detail photos. This photo gallery contains a combination of Original / Full Sized photos and Mobile/Smartphone Optimized (Reduced Size) photos. Alternatively, view this photo gallery using a popup slideshow viewer by clicking the link below.
Browse Gallery With Popup Viewer |
© Copyright 2003-2013, 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 of bridges have the responsibility of correctly following all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, regardless of any HistoricBridges.org information.
