Hurshtown Bridge

"Van Zile Road Bridge"

Visit Historic Bridges of the Midwest's Page For This Historic Bridge

This Bridge Has Been Restored!

Most Recent Visit: April 2, 2006

It turns out that when I visited Indiana in April 2006, Allen County still had four Whipple truss bridges! That is more Whipple truss bridges than is in the entire state of Michigan, which only has three! This bridge is one of the more intriguing and beautiful bridges I have seen, particularly because of the beautiful and unusual portal bracing on this bridge. The bridge is also quite old, with an 1883 construction date. The vertical members are rather strange on this bridge, being very narrow and resulting in an unusual v-lacing appearance. They may be lighter-weight members due to the old nature of the bridge.

This bridge is a fourteen panel Whipple through truss, and features pinned connections. Whipple truss bridges are also known as double-intersection Pratt truss bridges. V-lacing is present on vertical members, and lattice is present on the bridge on part of the extensive portal bracing. While the portal bracing is quite extensive, the sway bracing on this bridge is quite minimal. The railings, which appear to be original, are also simple, consisting of two rows of u-channels. The 1999 restoration of this bridge appears to have replaced the flooring system of the bridge. Floor beams and hangers both appear to be new. The loss of original materials is unfortunate, but acceptable given that this has allowed the bridge to remain open to traffic, and the materials lost are not easily noticeable, especially to casual viewers. The retention of original railings, with no modern railings added is unusual, but excellent, as it maintains the historic appearance of the bridge.

Those who visit the nearby, over-rated Spencerville Covered Bridge and fail to visit this bridge are denying themselves the experience of true beauty in bridge construction. The ornate portal bracing, which is quite unique to this bridge, gives the bridge an impressive appearance. The complex geometric art formed by the complex Whipple truss configuration only add to the beauty of this bridge. In my opinion this bridge, which offers an excellent view of the scenic river, is a million times more beautiful than the plain barn-like appearance that any covered bridge has. Fortunately, this bridge was restored in 1999, and is in excellent shape. The 14 ton weight limit for this bridge is perfect for the light to non-existent traffic present on Van Zile Road. A nearby Ruth Road Bridge provides unrestricted crossing in the event that a truck needs to cross in this area. I hope this bridge continues to be maintained, and given the same dignity that the nearby covered bridge has received. The Hurshtown Bridge stands today as a stunning tribute to the accomplishments of the Massillon Bridge Company, as well as to the truss bridge era.