High Banks Bridge

Information and Findings From DHPA Historic Bridge Survey

Statement of Significance

The Indiana Bridge Company of Muncie constructed this single-span, pin-connected Camelback upon cut stone abutments and wingwalls for a contract price of $7,000. Verticals of two sizes of laced channels divide the 200' span into eleven panels. Cylindrical eyebars with turnbuckles provide all the diagonals in the core panel of the central three and as counters in the others to the double die-forged eyebars which extend toward span center from the top pins. The next three panels on each side of the central area use double die-forged eyebars as diagonals and stretch from the outer top pin to the more central lower one. I floor-beams (additional ones bolted to originals for support) are U-bolted to pins below the lower chord and carry a timber deck with a 15'6" roadway which allows for 16' of vertical clearance. The second oldest of three extant Camelback through trusses known to have been fabricated by this prolific Indiana builder, this is among the longest spans of its type and retains its original members. The firm retains the original drawings for the bridge. The equal division of panels between the center section and the sides is unusual. The bridge's original latticed guardrails are still intact.

Other Information

References Butler, Fairman & Seufert, Inc., Bridge Inspection Report: Delaware County (Indianapolis, 1973). Reid, Quebe, et al., Structural Inventory & Appraisal: Delaware County (Indianapolis, 1979). Floyd E. Burroughs & Associates, Delaware County: Bridge Reinspection Report (Indianapolis, 1994). Indiana Historic Sites & Structures Inventory, Delaware County: Interim Report (Indianapolis, 1985). National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form, "Steel Through Truss Highway Bridges of Delaware County," (Indianapolis: DHPA, 7-8-82). bridge nameplate. Indiana Bridge Co., Contract Index #4350, Drawings Archive, School of Architecture, Ball State University (Muncie). Engineering News and American Railway Journal XXXXVI (5 December 1901), Supplement.

Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes