Dickey's Ford Bridge

Information and Findings From DHPA Historic Bridge Survey

Bridge History and Significance

Constructed on the old New Albany-Vincennes State Road; at least a second-generation structure at this location. The county engineer drafted detailed specifications for the substructure and general ones for the superstructure. George M. Albertson of Orange County built the substructure. The Wrought Iron Bridge Company of Canton, Ohio, fabricated this single-span, pin-connected Pratt through truss which is seated upon cut stone abutments and wingwalls. Intermediate verticals of crafted I beams divide the 101' truss into most of its six panels. Eyebars provide the diagonals: pairs of adjustable ones stretch toward center span from the top panel point to the bottom of all except the endpost panels; a cylindrical eyebar with a turnbuckle counters the others in the two most central panels. U-bolted to the lower pins, new I floor-beams carry the timber deck with its 11'5" roadway and 16'9" of vertical clearance. Designed by a prolific Ohio firm, this bridge retains many of its original members, including its decoratively latticed portals and portal bracing. Its new floor-beams are welded as well as U-bolted to pin and vertical plates. References Warren T. Hobson & Associates, Bridge Inspection/Reinspection Report: Orange County (Indianapolis, 1974, 1979, 1996). bridge nameplate.

Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes