Murphy Ford Bridge

Information and Findings From DHPA Historic Bridge Survey

Bridge History and Significance

In September 1909, the commissioners received and approved A. N. McPheeter's plans and specifications for a bridge at Murphy Ford on the Valeene and Honey Creek Highway and ordered an October letting. At the letting, the Vincennes Bridge Company made a successful $2,331.24 for the 80-foot steel trussed span and a pair of 24-foot approaches. The superintendent of construction reported satisfactory completion of Vincennes' contract in early April 1910. Seated upon concrete abutments and wingwalls and metal caisson piers. Intermediate verticals of laced channels subdivide the through trusses into most of their five panels. Eyebars provide the diagonals: pairs stretch toward center span from the top panel point to the bottom of the 2nd and 4th panels; cylindrical eyebars with turnbuckles cross the 3rd or center panel. U-bolted to the lower pins, I floor-beams carry the timber deck and allow for 13-feet of vertical roadway clearance. Listed by Hobson and Associates on their short "Schedule of Historic Bridges" in Orange County, this "picturesque" structure appears to retain its original members, including decoratively latticed portals and guardrails. Originally bolted to the pin plates below, the verticals are now welded. References Warren T. Hobson & Associates, Bridge Inspection/Reinspection Report: Orange County (Indianapolis, 1974, 1979, 1996). Orange County, "Commissioners Record," 17: 64, 73-74, 142.

Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes (Non-Select)