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Key Facts |
Bridge Name | Type | Road | Location | City | Crossing |
| Metcalf Street Bridge | Truss | Metcalf Street (Dixie Highway) | Allen County, OH | Lima | Railroad (Norfolk Southern) |
This bridge was also listed as going over the RJ Corman-Western Ohio Line. The rail line is currently owned by Norfolk Southern, although it was once a Norfolk and Western Line apparently. This bridge is on the Dixie Highway, which was a major highway from the old days that essentially did the job of I-75 back then.
While 1880s pin connected truss bridges may be my favorite bridge, it would be a boring world without these wonders of the 1920s and 1930s to photo as well. Bridges like these offer a different type of awe and beauty that could not be found back in the late 1800s. Bridges built in this period of time began to lack the decorative elements like ornate portal bracing and fancy railings. However the design of the truss became more complex, as additional bracing and members were added to put these larger two-lane bridges together. As such, although the official decorations were gone, the additional complexity of the trusses made up for it, producing still a highly aesthetic bridge. Such is the case with this bridge, which turns an otherwise highly industrial area into something of beauty. This bridge showcases this later truss design quite well.
The bridge is actually pin connected, which surprised me, as these newer bridges usually feature riveted connections. It has the Baltimore truss configuration, and it noteworthy on those grounds. It features tall, massive portal bracing. Extensive sway and diagonal bracing is also present. There is v-lacing and lattice all over this bridge! It has a huge skew to it, giving it that fun crooked appearance. While some rust is poking through in a couple spots, this bridge has a fairly recent coat of paint and appear to be in good hands. I hope it continues to be so in the future.
