19th Street Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 19th Street Bridge |
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| Coordinates | 39°45′35″N 105°00′15″W / 39.7598°N 105.0041°W |
| Carries | Pedestrians |
| Crosses | South Platte River |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | 2-span Pratt Through Truss |
| Total length | 206 feet (63 m) |
| Width | 22.5 feet (6.9 m) (roadway) |
| Height | 19 feet (5.8 m) |
| Longest span | 101 feet (31 m) |
| Number of spans | 2 |
| History | |
| Designer | Missouri Valley Bridge & Iron Co. |
| Construction end | 1888 |
| Construction cost | $25,000 |
The 19th Street Bridge is a special bridge in Denver, Colorado. It crosses over the South Platte River. This bridge was built in 1888. It used to carry cars, but now it's a path just for people walking and biking. It's a very old and important bridge, so it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Contents
History of the Bridge
Many bridges were built across the South Platte River starting in 1859. By 1875, people wanted a bridge at the 19th Street spot. A wooden bridge was built there in 1876. But this bridge was closed in 1884 after a flood damaged it.
Building a Stronger Bridge
Because floods kept destroying wooden bridges, the city of Denver wanted stronger metal ones. In 1887, they started building metal bridges. On August 26, 1887, a company called Missouri Valley Bridge and Iron Works was hired. They built the 19th Street Bridge. The new bridge cost $25,000, which was a lot of money back then! The building was finished in 1888.
Changes Over Time
Around 1898, there was a plan to make the bridge much bigger. They wanted it to go over the river and also a train yard. But this plan didn't happen. The bridge has stayed mostly the same since it was built.
After a flood in 1961, the wooden floor of the bridge was changed to strong metal. More parts were fixed after another flood in 1965. Because it's so old and important, the 19th Street Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 4, 1985.
From Cars to People
Over the years, salt used to melt ice on the road caused damage. So, on December 16, 1986, the bridge was closed to cars. From then on, only people walking and riding bikes could use it. A new bridge for cars was built nearby in 1992.
The 19th Street Bridge is also used for fun events. Since 2011, it has hosted the "Gala on the Bridge." This is a special party that raises money for The Greenway Foundation. It was the first time the bridge was used for something other than just crossing the river!
At the time it was added to the National Register, the 19th Street Bridge was special in Colorado. It was the oldest bridge made of wrought iron (a type of strong metal). It was also the oldest bridge for cars still in its first spot, and the oldest car bridge still used by the public.
How the Bridge is Designed
The 19th Street Bridge has two main parts, called spans. Each span uses a "through Pratt truss" design. This means the metal framework goes above the road, and the road goes through the middle of the structure. Each span has five sections.
Bridge Structure and Materials
The whole bridge is about 200 feet (61 m) long. The part where people walk or ride is about 22.5 feet (6.9 m) wide. The road surface is made of concrete over corrugated metal. This replaced the original wooden floor. The main parts of the bridge are made of wrought iron, which is a very strong type of iron. These parts are connected with pins.
The top parts of the bridge are flat. The upper support beams are very deep and strong.
Decorative Features
The bridge has sidewalks on both sides. These sidewalks stick out from the main bridge structure. They are decorated with fancy iron posts and a criss-cross pattern. The south sidewalk is for people, but the north one doesn't have a floor and carries utility lines.
The bridge rests on solid stone supports. The entrance areas have decorative cast iron crests and fancy ornaments. There's also a plaque that tells who built the bridge. History Colorado says this bridge is one of the most beautiful in Colorado!
