Ashtabula lift bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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West Fifth Street Bridge
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The Ashtabula lift bridge in raised position
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location |  SR 531 over Ashtabula River, Ashtabula, Ohio |
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| Area | less than 1 acre (0.40 ha; 4,000 m2) |
| Built | 1925 |
| Architect | Kell-Atkinson Const. |
| Architectural style | Single leaf bascule |
| NRHP reference No. | 85001801 |
| Added to NRHP | August 23, 1985 |
The Ashtabula lift bridge is also known as the West Fifth Street bridge. It is a special kind of bridge called a Strauss bascule bridge. A bascule bridge is a movable bridge that opens by lifting one part, like a seesaw.
This bridge carries Ohio State Route 531 over the Ashtabula River. It is located in the harbor of Ashtabula, Ohio. The bridge is very important for transportation in Ashtabula. It also sits in a key spot in the city's built environment. This means it's a big part of the buildings and spaces that make up the city. The Ashtabula Harbour Commercial District ends right at the west side of the bridge.
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History of the Ashtabula Bridge
There has been a way to cross the Ashtabula River at this spot for a long time. It was a river crossing even before the current bridge was built.
Earlier Bridges at This Location
In 1889, an older bridge was replaced. This older bridge was a pontoon bridge, which floats on the water. The new bridge was a through truss bridge. This type of bridge has a strong frame made of connected triangles. It was also a swing bridge, which could swing open to let boats pass.
Building the Current Lift Bridge
The current Ashtabula lift bridge was built in 1925. A company from Cleveland, Wendell P. Brown, constructed it. The cost was about $179,000.
The bridge lifts up using electric motors. It also uses a very heavy concrete counterweight. A counterweight is a heavy object that balances the weight of another object. This helps the bridge lift easily.
This bridge is one of only two of its kind still working in Ohio. It is the only one like it on the state highway system.
Bridge Recognition and Repairs
In 1985, the bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of important places in the United States. It helps protect them.
The bridge was repaired in 1986. Later, from March 2008 to May 2009, it was closed again. This was for more repairs and a new coat of paint.
