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Iron Bridge Road Bridge

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Most Recent Visit To Bridge: May 12, 2006

Key Facts

Bridge Name Facility Carried / Feature Intersected Location Structure Type Construction Date / Builder or Contractor
Iron Bridge Road Bridge
Iron Bridge Road Over West Branch Sturgeon River Rural: Charlevoix County, Michigan Metal Pinned Pratt Half-Hip Pony Truss, Stationary 0 By: Unknown

Technical Facts

Structure Length Roadway Width Main Spans Approach Spans
41 Feet (12.5 Meters) 15.75 Feet (4.8 Meters) 1 None

This bridge is a quaint three panel Pratt half-hip pony truss bridge with pinned connections. The bridge features v-lacing on the vertical members and under the top chord. It retains original simple angled steel railings. The deck was redone, and continues to be a wooden deck. Lackawanna stamps on present on the trusses.

Charlevoix chose to keep this beautiful historic bridge around and restored the bridge for continued vehicular traffic. Located on a trail-like road that is even more narrow than the narrow-one lane bridge, this structure is certainly sufficient for the road. The restoration of the bridge was excellent, as it did not alter the historic integrity of the bridge, even retaining the original pole railings. In a part of the state that has very few truss bridges, this bridge is an oasis of beauty and transportation heritage.

Note to photographers: This bridge is in what amounts to a swamp, and side views are essentially impossible. If you happen to have a canoe with you, then you would be in business!

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