| Key Facts |
| Bridge Name | Facility Carried / Feature Intersected | Location | Structure Type | Construction Date / Builder or Contractor |
| Clark Road Bridge | Clark Road (CR-13) Over Scioto River | Rural: Marion County, Ohio | Metal Pinned Pratt Through Truss, Stationary | 1916 By: Central Concrete and Construction Company of Canton, Ohio |
| Technical Facts |
| Rehabilitation Date | Structure Length | Roadway Width | Main Spans | Approach Spans |
| 1990 | 164 Feet (50 Meters) | 16.1 Feet (4.9 Meters) | 1 | None |
The Clark Road Bridge is a beautiful example of an unusual anomaly in Ohio. By 1916, the pin-connected truss bridge was well on its way to becoming a thing of the past. One would expect to see riveted connections on a structure like the Clark Road Bridge. In addition, this bridge features extremely ornate design of this bridge, which included two decorative builder plaques, finials, and (today missing) further decoration mounted on top of the portal bracing. This type of decoration is more in line with truss bridges of the 1880s. By the early 20th century, the focus in metal truss construction was not longer on adding decorative elements to the bridge.
This bridge was graciously restored by Marion County in 1990. The restoration was done quite well, retaining the historic integrity on the bridge, and providing a durable coat of paint. However, recently, some motorist crashed into the bridge, damaging the bridge to the point that it had to be closed to all traffic. The fate of the bridge is now in question, and demolition is among the possible outcomes. For historic bridge enthusiasts this is a very frustrating situation. Not only might the bridge be lost, but this event might discourage future restorations as well. After all, Marion County put all this money into restoring the bridge, and now this costly event has occurred. Hopefully Marion County will decide to give motorists one more chance, and repair the damage. There may be solutions such as changes in the layout of guardrails that might better protect the bridge from out-of-control drivers.
People crossing historic bridges, particularly metal truss bridges are asked to do so with care and respect. These structures have stood the test of time and will continue to do so if used properly by those who cross them. Always cross a one-lane metal truss bridge at a very slow speed. Yield or stop before you cross the bridge and ensure that there is no other cars attempting to cross the bridge. In most cases, if another car is waiting, you should treat the bridge as a four-way stop. Examine the deck as you approach the bridge to check for ice or other hazards. It is important to show highway agencies that we are responsible drivers and do not need ugly modern bridges with shoulders as wide as the lanes themselves to cross safely. Even if you do not care for historic bridges, you should drive carefully because you don't want to wreck your car, nor do you want the inconvenience of a detour if you damage the bridge and it is closed to traffic. It is the opinion of this website that anyone who damages a historic bridge is completely at fault, and any motorist-caused damage is likely caused due to crossing either over the posted weight limit or crossing too fast for conditions, whether those conditions be weather, width of bridge, or alignment of bridge. Future legislation should enact financial penalties, perhaps calling on the motorist's insurance, for anyone who damages a historic bridge, which would in turn be used to repair any damage caused.
