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Rip Van Winkle Bridge

Rip Van Winkle Bridge

Primary Photographer(s): Nathan Holth and Rick McOmber

Bridge Documented: April 15, 2011

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and Videos
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Facility Carried / Feature Intersected
NY-23 Over Hudson River and Railroad (CSX)
Location
Catskill: Columbia County, New York and Greene County, New York: United States
Structure Type
Metal Cantilever Rivet-Connected Warren Through Truss, Fixed and Approach Spans: Metal Cantilever Rivet-Connected Deck Truss, Fixed
Rehabilitation Date
1993
Main Span Length
400.0 Feet (121.9 Meters)
Structure Length
5,040.0 Feet (1536.2 Meters)
Roadway Width
33.8 Feet (10.3 Meters)
Spans
3 Main Span(s) and 12 Approach Span(s)
Inventory Number
5017820

Historic Significance Rating (HSR)
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Bridge Documentation

This is a monumental size cantilever truss bridge that is operated as a toll bridge by a state agency. Likely aided by funds generated by tolls, the bridge appears to be in excellent condition. The main span is a through truss cantilever bridge of overall traditional composition. However, the massive a-frame portal bracing and the heavy built-up steel bents are distinctive details that give the bridge a unique appearance.

In addition, the bridge's long series of deck cantilever approach spans add to the bridge's unique appearance. The bridge's cantilever deck truss approach spans appear to be designed so that every other span contains a suspended span with cantilever arms, and the spans between those consisting of two anchor arms. This assumption is made based on aerial imagery that shows expansion joints on the deck of every other span where the ends of a suspended span would be expected. The visual appearance of these approach spans is such that the truss appearance to casual viewers is identical from span to span.

Due to time constraints on the part of HistoricBridges.org, and also the fact that the best location to photograph the bridge... an access road that runs under the bridge at the western end... was posted as closed to the public... only a few photos of this bridge are currently available. It is HistoricBridges.org's strong opinion that restricting access to this road that runs under the bridge is terribly insensitive. The reality is that there should be a small "scenic outlook" available to the public at this location, where the beautiful bridge and river can be safely and conveniently appreciated by the public. As a toll bridge that benefits from people actually using the bridge, such a facility could only stand to help bring in increased revenue for the bridge.

The engineer for this bridge, Glenn B. Woodruff, reportedly worked on the Oakland Bay Bridge in California after this bridge.

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

View Historical Articles About This Bridge

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Photo Galleries and Videos: Rip Van Winkle 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

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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

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View Video

Bumpercam: Westbound Crossing

Full Motion Video
Streaming video of the bridge. Also includes a higher quality downloadable video for greater clarity or offline viewing.

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Maps and Links: Rip Van Winkle 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.

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USGS National Map (United States Only)

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