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| North end of old Bird Creek Bridge. |
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| Wooden deck from north looking south. |
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| Wooden deck from south looking north. |
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| Old bridge from new bridge from east looking west. |
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| 1986 bridge over Bird Creek at Avant |
The Rochester Bridge Company made iron truss bridges from the 1870s to 1935 when the company went out of business during the Great Depression.
The old bridge was bypassed and abandoned in 1986 and is now chained off and closed to traffic although still used locally as a pedestrian and fishing bridge.
The ironwork and rods on this old bridge does not look as heavy as on some later bridges. Despite its more delicate look it has stood up for nearly 100 years. The same cannot be said for the wooden deck which does not look as trustworthy.
The new (1986) bridge is a simple beam bridge supported at each end and located about 300 yards downstream.
See more Sunday Bridges
15 comments:
We've bicycled over that bridge many times before the new bridge was built. Really though, it was so dangerous that we got off and walked over it, pushing the bikes.
A relocation and renewal of the old bridge would be nice. It still has the new one beat for character.
This is an oldie and one fabulous goodie. I love this one. It reminds me of some of the bridges we have here in Rockbridge County. Love those support boards going across the center. Sure wish I had some of those on my rickety old “Bridge to Somewhere” over the creek. It would make walking across it to the mailbox a whole lot easier. This is a beautiful series of beautifully composed photographs.
like old bridges. Do the board creak when you walk across
That's a very interesting bridge, thanks for sharing its history!
I like all the angles of this old truss bridge you give us, Bill. Sure beats the new one in charm!
Surprised it hasn't been condemned.
After seeing some of the other stone and cement bridges posted,this truss bridge does look almost dainty and delicate! But, never be deceived, for it has survived.
@Birdman
Actually it has been condemned with a cable stretched across each end but the locals still walk onit.
A very charming bridge with an interesting history. Such local colour means a lot.
I definately prefer the old bridge.
I just love old bridges. I think there is a geocache at this one plus I know some trail runners who run across it.
Nice! It does not look very robust when compared to 'modern' bridges, but it's history tell all and it has held up very well. We have a lot of truss bridges in my area from the same era.
Very, very interesting bridge for me!
Wendy - I will be happy to email a better copy to you but will need your email address.
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