Boner Bridge

Information and Findings From DHPA Historic Bridge Survey

Statement of Significance

This 259' bowstring arch structure of one 160', 14-panel through and two 48'6", 5-panel pony spans rests upon stone abutments reinforced with concrete and metal A-frame piers. The spans follow the patented tubular arch of the King Bridge Company. A pair of rectangular die-forged bars extended through the shoe of the arch provide the lower chord. Cylindrical eyebars provide the verticals and the crossed diagonals of each panel are adjusted through the arch. The I floor-beams rest upon the lower chord and are further stabilized by external braces bolted to the arch-chord. The timber deck carries a 16' roadway. The longest of two such throughs extant and the longest bowstring structure in Indiana, this bridge was probably designed by a prolific Ohio firm, four of whose other bowstring ponies still survive in the state. The spans have been rehabilitated and the floor-beams reinforced, although the bridge appears to retain most of its original members, including some latticed guardrail. The consulting engineers who have inspected both counties' bridges also designed the rehabilitation of this "unusual structure." References MW, Inc., Warrick County Bridge Re-Inspection Report (Indianapolis, 1978). Engineer Associates, Inc., Bridge Reinspection Report: Warrick County (Evansville, 1981). United Consulting Engineers, Inc., Bridge Reinspection Report: Warrick County (Indianapolis, 1987). WTH Engineering, Warrick County: Bridge Reinspection Report (Indianapolis, 1999). Associated Engineering Consultants, Inc., Bridge Reinspection Study and Report: Spencer County (Nashville, 1979). Indiana Historic Sites & Structures Inventory, Gibson County and Warrick County: Interim Report (Indianapolis, 1984), 84. Ohio Department of Transportation, Ohio Historic Bridge Inventory Evaluation, and Preservation Plan (Columbus,1983), 36-7.

Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes