This bridge is the last known remaining highway Pratt through truss in Michigan that is skewed. HABS HAER documented the Sheridan Road Bridge in Saginaw County prior to its demolition, which also was skewed. They mentioned that it was the last skewed Pratt through truss in Michigan. The Gale Road Bridge must have been disassembled and in storage when they made that assessment. Now that Gale Road Bridge stands restored as the third bridge erected in the park, it takes the honor. Although the Gale Road Bridge is not heavily skewed, it does have that unique crooked appearance that makes a skewed bridge interesting to look at. The bridge was built in 1897 by the Lafayette Bridge Company. The bridge is a seven panel bridge and has pinned connections. V-lacing is present on verticals and under the top chord. The bridge also has an unusual and plain sway bracing design. A county commissioner plaque remains atop the portal, however the end post builder plaque is missing, as indicated by the oval-shaped rust scar on the end post.
The portal bracing on this bridge was completely rebuilt as part of the restoration, due to poor condition of the original. The new bracing was designed to have the same appearance as the original bracing, although steel angles were used instead of flat bars resulting in an unusual appearance that would not have been present on the original structure.
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2005 Bridge Photo-Documentation |
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2014 Bridge Photo-Documentation Original / Full Size Photos |
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2014 Bridge Photo-Documentation Mobile Optimized Gallery |
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