HistoricBridges.org Menu: HistoricBridges.org Menu:


We Recommend:
Bach Steel - Experts at historic truss bridge restoration.

HistoricBridges.org: Bridge Browser

Grand Rapids Swing Bridge

Pere Marquette Railroad Bridge

Grand Rapids Swing Bridge

Primary Photographer(s): Nathan Holth

Bridge Documented: 2006, November 5, 2011, and April 27, 2013

View Photos
and Videos
View Maps
and Links

Facility Carried / Feature Intersected
Railroad (Norfolk Southern) Over Grand River
Location
Grand Rapids: Kent County, Michigan: United States
Structure Type
Metal Pin-Connected Pratt Through Truss, Movable: Swing (Rim Bearing Center Pier) and Approach Spans: Metal 6 Panel Pin-Connected Pratt Through Truss, Fixed
Construction Date and Builder / Engineer
1903 By Builder/Contractor: American Bridge Company of New York, New York
Rehabilitation Date
1922
Main Span Length
231.0 Feet (70.4 Meters)
Structure Length
654.0 Feet (199.3 Meters)
Roadway Width
30 Feet (9.14 Meters)
Spans
1 Main Span(s) and 3 Approach Span(s)
Inventory Number
Not Applicable

Historic Significance Rating (HSR)
View Information About HSR Ratings

Bridge Documentation

This bridge is a very significant example of a swing bridge in Michigan. Along with the few other truss bridges in the Grand Rapids area, the bridge is among the longest truss bridges in Michigan. Very few rivers in Michigan reach the size of the Grand River in this area.

This bridge is composed of four spans including two pin-connected Pratt through truss fixed spans, a rivet-connected Warren through truss, and a pin-connected Pratt swing through truss. The original spans of the bridge were built from 1901-1903 by the American Bridge Company and the Detroit Bridge and Iron Works. However, two of the spans were built after initial construction. The reasons for these reconstructions are unknown, but could range from structural damage due to train derailments, floods, or it could be due to possible adjustments that may have been made to the Grand River channel. The westernmost span is a rivet-connected Warren through truss that was built in 1922 by the American Bridge Company at the Gary, Indiana plant. Working southward, the next span is a fixed pin-connected Pratt through truss, and was built in 1901 by the Detroit Bridge and Iron Works. The next span, the swing span, was built in 1902-1903 by the American Bridge Company at the Detroit plant. Finally, the southernmost span, a fixed pin-connected Pratt through truss, was built in 1908 by the American Bridge Company at the Toledo, Ohio plant. The 1901 fixed span construction details are stylistically identical to the swing span, both spans being built at the same time. Variations in construction details are only because one span is fixed and the other is a swing, necessitating different construction. Both spans are noted for the highly unusual omission of overhead lateral bracing. Only portal bracing and struts (sway bracing) are present. At first glance, the 1908 fixed span also appears identical to the 1901 fixed span. However a few minor detail differences are present. The 1901 span features vertical members with v-lacing that is a heavy-duty style common on railroad bridges where each lacing bar has no rounded ends, each end of the bar is fastened with two rivets, and lacing bars do not overlap. The 1908 span in contrast has v-lacing style that was used frequently on both highway and railroad bridges. These lacing bars feature rounded ends with a single rivet at each end, and the ends of the lacing bars overlap with their neighbor, sharing each rivet. Also, the 1908 span has overhead lateral bracing, giving it a more traditional appearance. There are a couple other minor differences, but otherwise the 1908 span and the 1901 span are very similar. The 1922 design in contrast is strikingly different from the older spans, since it is embracing the style common on railroad lines at the time. As a 1922 bridge it is of traditional truss bridge construction with no distinctive details. It provides a visual comparison to how railroad bridge technology developed over the years.

The bridge once carried two sets of tracks, but now carries only one. The remaining tack is still used by trains. The railroad company who paid for the construction of this bridge may have been fairly irritated in 1907, just four years after this bridge was built, when the Grand River ceased to be considered a navigable river and did not require movable spans at this location.


This bridge is tagged with the following special condition(s): Unorganized Photos

Divider

Photo Galleries and Videos: Grand Rapids Swing Bridge

 

View Photo Gallery

Structure Overview

Original / Full Size Photos
A collection of overview photos that show the bridge as a whole and general areas of the bridge. This gallery offers photos in the highest available resolution and file size in a touch-friendly popup viewer.
Alternatively, Browse Without Using Viewer

Divider

View Photo Gallery

Structure Details

Original / Full Size Photos
A collection of detail photos that document the parts, construction, and condition of the bridge. This gallery offers photos in the highest available resolution and file size in a touch-friendly popup viewer.
Alternatively, Browse Without Using Viewer

Divider

View Photo Gallery

Structure Overview

Mobile Optimized Photos
A collection of overview photos that show the bridge as a whole and general areas of the bridge. This gallery features data-friendly, fast-loading photos in a touch-friendly popup viewer.
Alternatively, Browse Without Using Viewer

Divider

View Photo Gallery

Structure Details

Mobile Optimized Photos
A collection of detail photos that document the parts, construction, and condition of the bridge. This gallery features data-friendly, fast-loading photos in a touch-friendly popup viewer.
Alternatively, Browse Without Using Viewer

Divider

View Photo Gallery

Additional Unorganized Photos

Original / Full Size Photos
A supplemental collection of photos that are from additional visit(s) to the bridge and have not been organized or captioned. This gallery offers photos in the highest available resolution and file size in a touch-friendly popup viewer.
Alternatively, Browse Without Using Viewer

Divider

View Photo Gallery

Additional Unorganized Photos

Mobile Optimized Photos
A supplemental collection of photos that are from additional visit(s) to the bridge and have not been organized or captioned. This gallery features data-friendly, fast-loading photos in a touch-friendly popup viewer.
Alternatively, Browse Without Using Viewer

Divider

Maps and Links: Grand Rapids Swing Bridge

Coordinates (Latitude, Longitude):

Search For Additional Bridge Listings:

Bridgehunter.com: View listed bridges within 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) of this bridge.

Bridgehunter.com: View listed bridges within 10 miles (16 kilometers) of this bridge.

HistoricBridges.org Bridge Browser: View listed bridges within 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) of this bridge.

HistoricBridges.org Bridge Browser: View listed bridges within 10 miles (16 kilometers) of this bridge.

2021 National Bridge Inventory: View listed bridges within 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) of this bridge.

Additional Maps:

Google Maps

Google Streetview (If Available)

Bing Maps

OpenStreetMap

GeoHack (Additional Links and Coordinates)

Apple Maps (Via DuckDuckGo Search)

Apple Maps (Apple devices only)

MapQuest

HERE We Go Maps

ACME Mapper

Waze Map

Android: Open Location In Your Map or GPS App

Flickr Gallery (Find Nearby Photos)

Wikimedia Commons (Find Nearby Photos)

Directions Via Sygic For Android

Directions Via Sygic For iOS and Android Dolphin Browser

USGS National Map (United States Only)

Historical USGS Topo Maps (United States Only)

Historic Aerials (United States Only)

CalTopo Maps (United States Only)


Divider
 
Home Top

Divider

About - Contact

© Copyright 2003-2024, HistoricBridges.org. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer: HistoricBridges.org is a volunteer group of private citizens. HistoricBridges.org is NOT a government agency, does not represent or work with any governmental agencies, nor is it in any way associated with any government agency or any non-profit organization. While we strive for accuracy in our factual content, HistoricBridges.org offers no guarantee of accuracy. Information is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. Information could include technical inaccuracies or errors of omission. Opinions and commentary are the opinions of the respective HistoricBridges.org member who made them and do not necessarily represent the views of anyone else, including any outside photographers whose images may appear on the page in which the commentary appears. HistoricBridges.org does not bear any responsibility for any consequences resulting from the use of this or any other HistoricBridges.org information. Owners and users of bridges have the responsibility of correctly following all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, regardless of any HistoricBridges.org information.

Admin Login

Divider