| Key Facts |
| Bridge Name | Facility Carried / Feature Intersected | Location | Structure Type | Construction Date / Builder or Contractor |
| Detroit-Superior Bridge Veterans Memorial Bridge |
Detroit and Superior Avenues (US-6) Over Cuyahoga River | Cleveland: Cuyahoga County, Ohio | Metal Through Arch, Stationary | 1918 By: King Bridge Company of Cleveland, Ohio |
| Technical Facts |
| Rehabilitation Dates | Structure Length | Main Span Length | Roadway Width | Navigation Vertical Clearance | Main Spans | Approach Spans |
| 1965-1968, 1997 | 2880 Feet (877.8 Meters) | 591 Feet (180 Meters) | 72 Feet (21.9 Meters) | 96 Feet (29.3 Meters) | 1 | 12 Concrete Deck Arch |
This bridge is the centerpiece and most recognizable of Cleveland's historic bridges. This bridge features a beautiful combination of span types. The main span is a cantilevered three-hinged steel arch that features a trussed arch built to the Pratt truss configuration. The bridge also features 12 large approach spans that are highly embellished concrete open-spandrel deck arches. Three of these approach spans are on the west side of the river, while the east side has nine. The bridge features a deck that includes a cantilevered section outside the arch, which is an alteration dating to the mid-1960s. The bridge also features a lower level that runs under the highway level, and original served a subway system, a function that ended in the 1950s.
This is a gorgeous bridges that features highly attractive design. The ornate concrete arch approach spans provide beauty to anyone traveling below the bridge. The graceful main arch span that thanks to the trussed arch design, also features a beautiful geometric arrangement of trusses to complement the arch shape, that combine to make crossing this bridge a pleasing experience as well.
This bridge is historically significant for being a significant engineering achievement. It also has had the sad distinction of becoming the last of the King Bridge Company landmark bridges to remain standing and not face demolition. As such, this bridge stands today as a critically important monument to the achievements of this nationally important bridge building company. Fortunately, the future of this bridge appears to be secure. The structure has been well-maintained and it enjoys the appreciation of both residents and visitors as a beautiful area landmark.
The total length of this bridge varies depending on which source is consulted. Lengths vary from 2656 Feet (809.6 Meters) to as long as 3112 Feet (948.5 Meters) long. The length in between these two figures 2880 appears to be the correct one, since it is listed in the original site plan for this bridge. The 3112 figure apparently relates to the distance from the east end of the bridge to 25th Street, since this distance is also referenced on the site plan.
Be sure to visit the HABS HAER page for this bridge since it features additional views of the original plans for the bridge, as well as a detailed history documented in the data pages. JPEG versions of the color photos on the HABS HAER pages are available in the Historic Bridges of Michigan and Elsewhere photo gallery. The Historic Bridges of Michigan and Elsewhere photo gallery offers over 100 photos of this bridge taken in beautiful sunny weather.
