Bridge Street Bridge

Information and Findings From DHPA Historic Bridge Survey

Statement of Significance

This is one of the earliest and widest continuous reinforced concrete T-beam structures built in Indiana, and it carries the longest span of its kind constructed before the Second World War. A prolific regional Hoosier engineer designed and decorated it for an urban setting. The bridge retains its architectural and structural integrity.

Architectural Description

As Indiana was recovering from the worst of the Greet Depression just before the Second World War, its counties began to resume some bridge-building, here with the assistance of the Public Works Administration of the Federal Works Agency. In a couple of cases, local officals agreed for the first time to plans for crossing major waterways with continuous reinforced concrete T-beams because of their advertised economy. By constructing the beams of multiple spans as a unit, the beams in one span get help carrying a load from their extension over others, allowing for shallower beams and slimmer piers. To carry the tension generated in the flanges of continuous beams over piers, designers typically add reinforcing steel towards the top of the beams.

William S. Moore designed and the H.L. Maddocks Company built this 272'3" structure of three spans (a central one at 123'). The spans consist of six beams spaced about 5' apart and braced periodically. The stems of the inner beams are 30" wide and 3' deep at midspan and 6' over the pier; the outer ones are 3' wide. The beams are anchored at the pier and sit on metal rollers at the abutments. Extended 3' beyond the stem, the flange of the outer beams support the concrete sidewalks and coped and balustraded parapet rails which flank the 40' roadway. The visible side of the outer beams and the piers are decorated in the style of Art Deco.

Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes