View Information About HSR Ratings
This bridge is a large steel stringer that operates with a pin and hanger system.
This bridge is noteworthy for its length. At 480 feet, it is among Michigan's longest bridges with surviving type R4 railing. The bridge is also wide, as a four-lane structure with sidewalks. The structure is also considerably skewed. The structure retains fair historic integrity. The addition of modern Armco railings to the historic railings diminished the structure's beauty and historic value.
One interesting fact is that the nearby Thornapple River was rerouted during the construction of this bridge.
The demolition and replacement of this bridge was proposed in October 2009 after township officials and residents deemed the bridge an essential "gateway" to Ada Village. They met for a weeklong brainstorming session that addressed ways to redesign Ada. The new M-21 bridge design was suggested, to enhance its role as an entry into the village.
Ada's plans for this crossing represent a waste of money and a poor path to improving the community. For instance, they mention that the new bridge will have an "open railing system." The reality is, if the Armco railings were removed from the existing bridge, not only would the railing system be an "open system" it would be an attractive one as well. Surely a bridge even with a small amount of historical value would add more character to Ada than any modern bridge could. In addition, the bridge is in poor condition, but it could be rehabilitated, likely for less raw dollars than replacement. If Ada wants to improve the appearance of the crossing, they could lobby MDOT to restore the bridge, and remove those ugly modern railings. MDOT has the ability to retrofit the R4 railing with "two-tube" guardrail so that crash protection is provided, but the visual obstructive of the original railings is much less. They could perhaps integrate other architectural elements to the bridge as well, such as flag poles, attractive lighting, etc. The result would not only be a more attractive bridge, but one with some level of historic value to it as well.
This historic bridge has been demolished. This map is shown for reference purposes only.
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.
Additional Maps:
Google Streetview (If Available)
GeoHack (Additional Links and Coordinates)
Apple Maps (Via DuckDuckGo Search)
Apple Maps (Apple devices only)
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)
© 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.
