| Key Facts |
| Bridge Name | Facility Carried / Feature Intersected | Location | Structure Type | Construction Date / Builder or Contractor |
| Gilmore Bridge | Darr Road Over Sandusky River | Rural: Sandusky County, Ohio | Metal Pinned Pratt Through Truss, Stationary | 0 By: Unknown |
This bridge has been abandoned for some time now. A yellow sign on the road just off of CR-9 declaring the Gilmore Bridge closed is the only evidence to travelers that a bridge is hiding at the end of the road. Note that the sign spells the name "Gilmore" with one L, but maps spell a road near this bridge with two L's. It is unclear if one spelling is supposed to be more correct.
This impressive structure features two beautiful truss spans seated upon stone piers and abutments. Their is some deterioration on the pier, which if left unchecked for many years, could create a risk for collapse. The truss superstructure appears to retain excellent historic integrity, including original lattice "hub-guard" style railings.
This bridge is located about 1.5 miles east of a preserved two-span wooden covered bridge. Both this truss bridge and the covered bridge are historically significant. However, the covered bridge has been bypassed and preserved, while this beautiful truss bridge has been left to rot and eventually fall in the river. Coincidence? Absolutely not! This is a pattern that has been replicated all over this country, and is the very reason that this website does not visit or feature wooden covered bridges. Government programs have been designed to be in favor of covered bridges and against truss bridges, and other historic bridge types. This has been coupled by a mis-informed general population who walk into welcome centers and see Covered Bridge Tours but no Truss Bridge Tours or no Arch Bridge Tours, and are led to believe that the only type of historic bridge is a wooden covered bridge. Wooden covered bridges have been getting all the attention, while historic truss bridges are either abandoned or demolished and replaced with modern slabs of concrete. This discrimination is an insult to this nation's transportation heritage. This truss bridge is just as worthy of the attention and care as the nearby covered bridge has received, yet it has been denied this.
It is unclear how many people have only turned west onto CR-9 off of OH-53 to see the covered bridge, never even aware of the equally important historic treasure just off to the East.
As long as this bridge remains standing however, it is not too late to make a change for the better and preserve this bridge, most likely for non-motorized use. The Gilmore Bridge is one of the oldest and most significant structures in the county and its preservation would be a worthwhile endeavor.
