21 Mile Road Bridge

This bridge was built in 1885, making it a very old example of a half-hip pin connected Pratt pony truss in Michigan. Most Pratt pony trusses in Michigan are actually closed to traffic, but this one remains open with a decent 12 ton weight limit. An attractive blue paint is present on this bridge, but there is rust, and the bridge needs a fresh coat of paint. Calhoun County has considered having the same crew that works in their Historic Bridge Park make some repairs to this bridge so it can continue to serve light vehicular traffic. This bridge was built by the Massillon Bridge company, and their distinctively-shaped plaque does not remain on the bridge, but its outline can be easily seen where it once was. This five panel bridge has a wooden deck and v-lacing on vertical members. The bridge has two notable alterations. First, the lattice railings do not remain, and plain steel railings have been added. Also, outriggers were added, and the main i-beams had extra steel added to support these buttresses. These outriggers probably helped this bridge continue to carry modern traffic, however.