12 Mile Road–Kalamazoo River Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 12 Mile Road–Kalamazoo River Bridge |
|
|---|---|
The bridge in March 2016
|
|
| Coordinates | 42°16′12″N 85°03′41″W / 42.2700°N 85.0615°W |
| Crosses | Kalamazoo River |
| Locale | Ceresco, Michigan |
| Characteristics | |
| Total length | 115 feet (35 m) |
| Width | 24.5 feet (7.5 m) |
| Longest span | 57.5 feet (17.5 m) |
| Number of spans | 2 |
| History | |
| Construction cost | $35,070 |
| Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). | |
The 12 Mile Road–Kalamazoo River Bridge is a special bridge in Ceresco, Michigan. It is also known as State Reward Bridge No. 53. This bridge is a type of concrete arch bridge that carries 12 Mile Road over the Kalamazoo River. It was built in 1920 and is important enough to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Contents
Bridge History
Building the Bridge
The plans for the 12 Mile Road–Kalamazoo River Bridge were created by the Michigan State Highway Department. They used their standard designs for bridges. Calhoun County built the bridge in 1920. It was given the name State Reward Bridge No. 53.
The job to build the bridge was given to L. Smith, H.A. Nichols, and M.C. Nichols. They were from Hastings, Michigan. Their offer to build it for $25,175 was accepted on March 11, 1920. The total cost to build the bridge was $35,070. The state of Michigan helped pay for it, covering half of the cost.
Special Recognition
On December 22, 1999, the bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as an important historical site. It was chosen because it has kept its original look and is a great example of its design style. Another bridge in Calhoun County, the 23 Mile Road–Kalamazoo River Bridge, was added on the same day.
River Cleanup Efforts
In July 2010, the Kalamazoo River near the bridge was affected by a large event. Because of this, a big cleanup effort took place. As part of this cleanup, a dam that was just upstream from the bridge was removed in 2014.
Bridge Design and Location
Where the Bridge Is Located
The 12 Mile Road–Kalamazoo River Bridge is found in a small community called Ceresco. This village does not have its own local government.
How the Bridge Looks
This bridge has two main sections, called spans. It is about 115 feet (35 m) long. The bridge is made of concrete and has a special "filled-spandrel" arch design. The arches are shaped like smooth, rounded tunnels.
The sides of the bridge have solid concrete railings. These railings are called parapets. Each railing has ten recessed areas, which are like decorative indentations. At the corners and in the middle of the railings, there are concrete lampposts. These posts are missing their light fixtures. You can also find special bridge plates attached to the northwest and southeast corners of the bridge.
