HistoricBridges.org Menu: HistoricBridges.org Menu:


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

HistoricBridges.org: Bridge Browser

Michigan Street Bridge

Leeper Bridge

Michigan Street Bridge

Primary Photographer(s): Nathan Holth

Bridge Documented: October 2006 and March 31, 2013

View Photos
and Videos
View Maps
and Links

Facility Carried / Feature Intersected
Michigan Street (IN-933) Over St. Joseph River
Location
South Bend: St. Joseph County, Indiana: United States
Construction Date and Builder / Engineer
1914 By Builder/Contractor: Kuert Contracting Company of Indianapolis, Indiana and Engineer/Design: Charles W. Cole
Rehabilitation Date
2006
Main Span Length
119.8 Feet (36.5 Meters)
Structure Length
323.0 Feet (98.5 Meters)
Roadway Width
54.8 Feet (16.7 Meters)
Spans
3 Main Span(s)
Inventory Number
11046

Historic Significance Rating (HSR)
View Information About HSR Ratings

Bridge Documentation

View Archived National Bridge Inventory Report - Has Additional Details and Evaluation

Along with the Jefferson Boulevard Bridge, these bridges are the two most ornate concrete bridges in South Bend. This bridge features a unique sandstone veneer on its exterior. The piers have a detailed design, and feature decorative pedestals that extend above the railings. The bridge has substantial architectural embellishment. When documented in 2006, the railings on the bridge were original. When re-documented in 2013, the bridge had been rehabilitated since the last visit. Changes included that the railing panels had been replaced with concrete, but retaining the same design as the original. However, the railing posts only had the concrete replacement, but the stone facing was still original. The arch barrel had been lined with a protective fabric and coated with a sealant. Also, ornate lighting was added to the railing posts at the pier points. The posts did not have lighting on them in 2006, but did have originally. The lighting on the bridge today was designed to look similar to what was originally on the bridge.

 

Above: Historical photo showing previous bridge at this location. Featuring a 300 foot span, this pin-connected Pennsylvania through truss was built in 1881, and modified for interurban use ca. 1906.

Information and Findings From DHPA Historic Bridge Survey

Statement of Significance

An important local engineer and official designed this city landmark. Its structural elements are fairly standard, but its aesthetic qualities are considerable. Replacement of the original deck has had a minimal effect upon the structure's architectural integrity.

Architectural Description

Charles W. Cole, the City Engineer of Mishawaka, designed this 276', three-span reinforced and filled concrete arch. The Kuert Contracting Company of Indianapolis won the contract to built it for $93, 663.

Each of the rings is elliptical, the center one spanning 116' and the outer ones 80'. Solid spandrel walls retain the earth fill which supports a 48' asphalt-over-concrete roadway between sidewalks and cut-stone rails. Originally all pedestals, parapets, rails, and spandrel-wall facing were of Bedford limestone. The pier-towers carry added decoration.

"This bridge," reported the South Bend City Engineer, "adds greatly to the attractiveness of the surroundings of Leeper Park, and is an improvement in which the whole city can take pride."

Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes

Divider

Photo Galleries and Videos: Michigan Street Bridge

 

View Photo Gallery

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

Divider

View Photo Gallery

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

Divider

Maps and Links: Michigan Street 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