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This bridge is extremely significant as one of the rarest metal bridges in the entire country, as a bridge with primary structural members made of cast iron bridge. It is further significant for displaying unique patented details, for being an extremely early example of the uncommon Whipple (double-intersection Pratt) truss configuration, and for being an early example of a noteworthy bridge company's work. All compression members on the bridge are cast iron, as is the portal and sway bracing. Like most extremely early metal truss bridges, the bridge displays unusual (and often patented) member design and connection details, many elements perhaps being the last remaining examples of their design. In fact, this bridge, which was designed by F. C. Lowthorp and erected by the Keystone Bridge Company, uses two different patented details, one for the bottom chord connection and one for the unusual sleeves that allow the diagonal members of this Whipple truss to intersect the vertical members.
This bridge was originally part of a six span bridge over the Housatonic River in Stratford, Connecticut. That bridge was replaced in 1884, and by 1894, one of the spans was relocated to its current location on Riverside Avenue. In 1925, the flooring system was replaced. The floorbeams were replaced with riveted built-up floorbeams. In 1989, the bridge was rendered decorative/non-structural when stringers were added under the bridge to support the structure. The 1925 floorbeams had holes cut out of them to hide these stringers in. Normally, the destruction of the floorbeams would be distasteful, but since in this particular case they are not original to the cast iron superstructure, their loss is less significant.
This bridge is tagged with the following special condition(s): Trusses Converted To Decorative
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