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Hope Bridge

Rip Rap Road Bridge

Hope Bridge

Primary Photographer(s): Nathan Holth

Bridge Documented: May 5, 2006

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Facility Carried / Feature Intersected
Rip Rap Road (Great Miami Recreational Trail) Over Great Miami River
Location
Dayton: Montgomery County, Ohio: United States
Construction Date and Builder / Engineer
1924 By Builder/Contractor: Unknown
Rehabilitation Date
Not Available or Not Applicable
Main Span Length
300.0 Feet (91.4 Meters)
Structure Length
306.0 Feet (93.3 Meters)
Roadway Width
18 Feet (5.49 Meters)
Spans
1 Main Span(s)
Inventory Number
5760577

Historic Significance Rating (HSR)
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Bridge Documentation

Built 1923-1924 over Great Miami River, this bridge once served an old alignment of Rip Rap Road, which crossed this bridge, continued south, and apparently crossed the river again on what was in 2006 a modern galvanized Bailey truss bridge. Rip Rap Road was realigned in 2002 and now it runs along the east side of the river, bypassing this bridge and the Bailey truss. This bridge's tall trusses and long span make it a stunning example of the complex Pennsylvania truss configuration. Characteristic of bridges built in the later portions of the truss bridge era, the members are fairly massive, and the connections are riveted. There is extensive v-lacing and lattice on the structure, which sits on concrete abutments. There are roller bearings present at the west end of the structure.

This bridge however has been beautifully rehabilitated for non-motorized traffic, and it now serves as part of the Great Miami Recreation Trail that runs along Rip Rap Road north of the bridge. In 2006 the path ended at the bridge, so the bridge was more of an attraction of the path rather than a connection. Apparently the bridge was rehabilitated at the time mainly because of the way that the funding was provided for making the Rip Rap Road recreation trail, and as of 2006 there were currently no plans to extend the trail beyond the bridge. As of 2020, no changes have taken place either. Regardless, the bridge is a significant historic bridge that could provide for the expansion of the trail, and in either case is a major historic attraction that is a destination in itself.

It is a very postive outcome that the bridge is preserved, even if it seems odd that they would restore it if they did not intend to continue the trail over to the other side. It is a rare chance to see a bridge with historic and aesthetic value being restored just for the sake of preserving the bridge, even if it doesn't serve a purpose (although the bridge does serve the purpose of offering views of the river). The bridge itself is a purpose to preserve it, and it appears that the folks who manage the trail funding agreed.

Photos from an older Historic Bridge Inventory show that this bridge had hub guard style lattice railings. These are not present on the bridge today. It is unclear why they were removed. When preserving a historic bridge, adding modern railings to protect the truss or meet pedestrian safety needs is acceptable. However, the original railings should always be left in place behind the added railings. There is no reason to remove them, and removing them reduces the historic integrity of the bridge.

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

Information and Findings From Ohio's Historic Bridge Inventory

Setting/Context

The bridge carries a bike path over a stream in a wooded setting.

Physical Description

The 1 span, 300'-long, rivet-connected Pennsylvania thru truss bridge is composed of built-up members.

Integrity

Bypassed and rehabilitated for bike path use in 2002. Replaced floorbeams, stringer, deck, railings, and minor repairs to trusses. Abutments replaced and bridge deck-level raised several feet.

Summary of Significance

The 1923 rivet-connected Pennsylvania thru truss bridge is a long-span example of its type/design that was rehabilitated without adverse effect (SHPO letter 1994). It is eligible from the prior ODOT inventory.

The Pennsylvania truss type/design, also sometimes referred to as a Pettit truss, is a subdivided Pratt truss with polygonal upper chord that was developed in the 1870s for use as a long-span bridge with heavy locomotives. The Pennsylvania Railroad popularized the form (hence the name), and Henry Pettit, an engineer in the employ of the railroad, became associated with it. It was not, however, used exclusively by the Pennsylvania RR being a very popular railroad and later highway truss design. Lighter pin-connected Pennsylvania truss highway bridges were built from the 1880s to 1910s, and the design also made the transition to heavier, rivet-connected designs of the mid 20th century. The truss's main advantages are an economical use of material provided by the sloped upper chord and the added stiffness provided by the substruts and ties in longer spans. Span lengths of up to 300 ft. are not uncommon. Ohio has eight identified examples dating from 1888 to 1939. Post-1900 examples are less significant than earlier examples, but they may illustrate important refinements, such as the use of riveted connections or rolled section members.

Justification

The bridge is one of over 40 extant riveted thru truss bridges of all designs built between 1904 and 1959. This example is representative of the population and has moderate significance. There are also many riveted thru truss bridges servicing the many rail lines in the state.

Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes

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Maps and Links: Hope 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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