| Key Facts |
| Bridge Name | Facility Carried / Feature Intersected | Location | Structure Type | Construction Date / Builder or Contractor | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Franklin Street Bridge
LaPorte County Bridge 505 | Franklin Street Over Trail Creek | Michigan City: La Porte County, Indiana | Metal Deck Girder, Movable: Bascule | 1932 By: Roberts Supply Company of Lima, Ohio |
| Technical Facts |
| Rehabilitation Date | Main Span Length | Structure Length | Roadway Width | Main Spans | Approach Spans |
| 1998 | 181.8 Feet (55.4 Meters) | 213 Feet (64.9 Meters) | 35.8 Feet (10.9 Meters) | 1 | 0 |
This bridge is the only historic movable bridge in Indiana, and is significant on a state level basis as a result. While the bridge is in northwestern Indiana and thus near Chicago's massive collection of bascule bridges, the Franklin Street Bridge in Indiana remains noteworthy as a historic bascule bridge that is a plate girder rather than a truss. Chicago used the truss form for its bascule bridges, so this plate girder bascule is still regionally an uncommon find. The bridges appearance has more in common with neighboring Michigan which nearly exclusively used plate girders instead of trusses for the bascule bridges in its many lakeshore towns. However, nearly all of Michigan's historic bascule bridges do not retain original railings, while this Indiana bridge retains attractive original railings. Indeed, the Franklin Street Bridge is historically complete, with railings, bridge tender building, plaques, and riveted girders. It appears to have been well maintained and the bridge should continue to be maintained as an important Indiana historic bridge. Located near to a park and a historic lighthouse, and not too far from the old train station, this bridge adds to the attraction, heritage, and desirability of the area.
