| Key Facts |
| Bridge Name | Facility Carried / Feature Intersected | Location | Structure Type | Construction Date / Builder or Contractor |
| Orange Road Bridge | Orange Road Over Olentangy River | Rural: Delaware County, Ohio | Metal Pinned Pratt Through Truss, Stationary | 1898 By: Toledo Bridge Company of Toledo, Ohio |
| Technical Facts |
| Structure Length | Roadway Width | Main Spans | Approach Spans |
| 182 Feet (55.5 Meters) | 16 Feet (4.9 Meters) | 1 | None |
This breathtaking bridge was built in 1898 by the Toledo Bridge Company (which was originally the Smith Bridge Company). Abutments are original stone at the west end of the bridge, while the east end of the bridge has a concrete abutment. The bridge retains a remarkable amount of historic integrity, including original floor beams and lattice railings, as well as builder and commissioner plaques remaining on the bridge. The bridge is a nine panel structure. It features attractive v-lacing on the sway bracing, under the top chord / end post, as well as on the vertical members. Lattice is present on the portal bracing and on the railings.
The Orange Road Bridge is a very long example of a single-span pin-connected Pratt through truss. It is uncommon to find a traditional late 19th century pin-connected Pratt truss at this length. As a function of its length, it features taller, impressive trusses that feature a more complex network of sway bracing that more commonly shows up in a Whipple truss.
The first section of bottom chord (between the end post and the hip vertical) is not the standard eye bar but is instead an unusual built-up beam that has an unusual form of v-lacing. Historic bridge expert David Simmons believes that this is due to the unique elevated position of the bridge, relative to the approaching road. He believe that the Toledo Bridge Company did this to add support to the bridge as the angle at which vehicles would enter the bridge would be different due to the elevated position.
Unfortunately, the flooring system (floor beams and deck stringers) on this bridge are in poor condition. This is a typical trouble spot for a truss bridge, however, and is possible to correct through a preservation project. The remainder of the truss superstructure is in good condition however, and would take to a rehabilitation project quite well. The stone abutment at the west end of the bridge has lost much of its mortar, and the stones have begun to separate. Again however, this could be corrected as part of a restoration project.
Delaware County has been conducting a project to determine how to deal with this bridge's assessment of being structural deficient and functionally obsolete. In most cases across this nation, such an announcement essentially means that the historic bridge gets demolished, and the new bridge is built. However, Delaware County is moving in a direction that might allow them to set a positive example for other bridge projects. They are currently investigating how to deal with the historic bridge. The option that is most desirable is the "twin bridge" option, which is to place another one-lane bridge next to the historic bridge, forming a one-way couplet. A great deal of their decision revolves around public support for restoring the bridge. This is where you come in. Please visit their project website, and leave a message on their feedback form, or send them a letter, and express strong support for the idea of a twin bridge solution, which is the preservation of this historic bridge next to another one-lane bridge to form a couplet of one-way bridges. Preferably this second bridge should be another historic metal truss bridge relocated to the site from elsewhere. This option will allow for two lanes across the river, will ensure that the Orange Road Bridge is preserved, and can even be an opportunity to save another truss bridge from demolition. Perhaps also express support for some of the ideas outlined in the "Ideas For A Restoration Project" section immediately below here, which will ensure that a restoration project does not damage the historic integrity and beauty of the bridge.
It is preferred that this bridge is restored in its original location. A relocated bridge loses historic value, because often the bridge shares a history with its surroundings. The Orange Road Bridge is no exception, as it was a lone survivor of a flood in 1913. If relocated, this connection to the Olentangy River's history would be lost.
Even more importantly, it is imperative to retain the historic integrity of the bridge. In particular, leaving the original railings on the bridge is of great importance. If modern safety railings are needed, they should produce a minimal visual impact on the bridge. It is also important that a restoration respect the original design of the bridge. If rivets have failed on the bridge, they should be replaced with rivets. There are contractors who have restored bridges and know how to rivet. If the floor beams need to be replaced, they should be replicated. The floor beams on Orange Road Bridge are American Standard Beams, and as such if replaced, they should not be replaced with wide flange beams. American Standard Beams are still manufactured, and are available for bridge restorations.
