This bridge is the longest Pennsylvania truss highway span in Indiana, and it is a very impressive structure. With its complex Pennsylvania truss configuration, the bridge's length contrasts with delicate members that include built-up beams with v-lacing to create a lightweight yet pleasingly complex structure that offers much for the eye to enjoy. The bridge is historically significant as an important inter-county link, while it is also technologically significant for its size, historic integrity, and truss configuration.
This bridge was restored for pedestrian use in 2008. J. A. Barker Engineering did the design work, while CLR Inc. of Vincennes Indiana was the on-site contractor. Painting was done by Bloomfield Painting Inc.
Information and Findings From DHPA Historic Bridge SurveyStatement of Significance The longest Pennsylvania through span for highway use in Indiana, this bridge has several unusual features: Its design includes an extra section on each side of two panels, unusual lower chord-vertical-floor beam
connections, and unique floor beam bracing. The absence of a horizontal member between the chords in the center section is also quite unusual. The truss retains its original members, including decoratively latticed guardrails. Architectural Description This pin-connected Pennsylvania through spans 316' in sixteen panels. The designers added to the usual twelve a side section of two panels on each side of center to accommodate the extra distance. Laced channels
alternate with laced angles as the intermediate verticals. The four center section panels use double-intersecting diagonals with counters; the two sections on each side of center (with two panels apiece) also use double-intersecting
diagonals with a sub-tie. Double die-forged eyebars provide the diagonals. Attached inside the verticals above the lower chord, I floor beams support the asphalt-filled deck pan which carries the 16'1" roadway and provides 13'5" of
vertical clearance. The floor beams are braced with cylindrical eyebars with turnbuckles used in a lattice-like pattern. The substructure is of cut stone. Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes |
![]() Structure Overview Original / Full Size Photos |
A collection of overview photos that show the bridge as a whole and general areas of the bridge. This gallery offers photos in the highest available resolution and file size in a touch-friendly popup viewer. Alternatively, Browse Without Using Viewer |
![]() Structure Details Original / Full Size Photos |
A collection of detail photos that document the parts, construction, and condition of the bridge. This gallery offers photos in the highest available resolution and file size in a touch-friendly popup viewer. Alternatively, Browse Without Using Viewer |
![]() Structure Overview Mobile Optimized Photos |
A collection of overview photos that show the bridge as a whole and general areas of the bridge. This gallery features data-friendly, fast-loading photos in a touch-friendly popup viewer. Alternatively, Browse Without Using Viewer |
![]() Structure Details Mobile Optimized Photos |
A collection of detail photos that document the parts, construction, and condition of the bridge. This gallery features data-friendly, fast-loading photos in a touch-friendly popup viewer. Alternatively, Browse Without Using Viewer |
![]() Pedestrian Loading Full Motion Video |
Engineer Jim Barker gives a simple demonstration on the bridge regarding the excessive AASHTO pedestrian loading he had to design the restoration of the bridge to meet. Streaming video of the bridge. Also includes a higher quality downloadable video for greater clarity or offline viewing. |
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