Zitko Road Bridge

Information and Findings From Ohio's Historic Bridge Inventory

Setting/Context

The bridge carries a 2 lane road over a stream in a rural setting with scattered 20th century residences in an area of coal strip mining. There is a railroad crossing at grade at one end of the bridge.

Physical Description

The 1 span, 61'-long, steel thru girder-floorbeam bridge is composed of salvaged materials. The main girders appear to be salvaged from a railroad turntable.

Summary of Significance

According to information from the county engineer, the thru girder-floorbeam bridge is believed to date to ca. 1950. There are no plans or documentation at the county engineers office. It is an example of a bridge type that was introduced by railroads in the mid 19th century and used extensively through the middle of the 20th century. Highway applications are less common, but still numerous with more than 240 examples from about 1890 to 1960 identified by the study. This example is composed of salvaged materials, a not uncommon practice, and likely dates to ca. 1950 or later when the railroad phased out steam operations and no longer required the turntable. Earlier and more distinguished examples better represent the significance of the technology to the development of Ohio's roads and bridges.

Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: No