This bridge is a very rare example of a double-deck swing bridge. The bridge is also the oldest of the remaining swing bridges on California highways. The lower deck carries railroad traffic and the upper deck carries vehicular traffic. The "I Street Bridge" proper contains three fixed deck truss spans and a through truss swing bridge. This bridge's length and dimensions are included in the Technical Facts table above. However, for vehicular traffic, the overall bridge also includes from the west a curved approach system dating to 1959 and to the east, there are two approach ramps, an interesting ramp bridge on Jibboom Street dating to 1937, which intersects the approach at a 90 degree angle, and also a straight-on approach leading east away from the bridge.
Aside from the newer nature of the approach spans, the truss spans themselves retain good historic integrity with no major alterations. In terms of design style and appearance, this combined highway and railroad bridge has the appearance of a railroad bridge. The bridge was actually designed by John D. Isaacs for the Southern Pacific Railroad. The American Bridge Company of New York, New York constructed the superstructure, with the Missouri Valley Bridge and Iron Company of Leavenworth, Kansas constructing the substructure.
In 2013, an announcement was made that federal funding assistance was approved for the replacement of this historic bridge which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places with a new vehicular bridge. This will require a Section 106 Review to consider alternatives to demolition of the historic bridge. HistoricBridges.org looks forward to a broad, detailed consideration of numerous alternatives that are available to avoid or minimize adverse effect to the historic bridge. Demolition of this highly rare bridge (which remains in good structural condition despite the poor condition of the paint system) is something that appears to be avoidable, even if it means leaving the historic bridge standing for pedestrian use next to a replacement bridge.
Bridge Photo-Documentation Original / Full Size Photos |
A collection of overview and detail photos. This gallery offers photos in the highest available resolution and file size in a touch-friendly popup viewer. Alternatively, Browse Without Using Viewer |
|
Bridge Photo-Documentation Mobile Optimized Photos |
A collection of overview and detail photos. This gallery features data-friendly, fast-loading photos in a touch-friendly popup viewer. Alternatively, Browse Without Using Viewer |
CarCam: Westbound Crossing Full Motion Video |
The video includes the approach to the bridge via Jiboom Street. Note: The downloadable high quality version of this video (available on the video page) is well worth the download since it offers excellent 1080 HD detail and is vastly more impressive than the compressed streaming video. Streaming video of the bridge. Also includes a higher quality downloadable video for greater clarity or offline viewing. |
© Copyright 2003-2020, 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.
