Columbia River Bridge (Wenatchee, Washington) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Columbia River Bridge |
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| Coordinates | 47°24′53″N 120°17′50″W / 47.41461°N 120.29719°W |
| Crosses | Columbia River |
| Locale | East Wenatchee, Washington / West Wenatchee, Washington |
| Maintained by | Wenatchee Reclamation District, State of Washington |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Pin-connected cantilever through truss |
| Total length | 1,600 feet (490 m) |
| Longest span | 520 feet (160 m) |
| Clearance below | 85 feet (26 m) |
| History | |
| Opened | 1908 |
| Replaces | Ferry |
| Nearest city | Wenatchee, Washington |
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built by | Washington Bridge Company |
| MPS | Historic Bridges/Tunnels in Washington State TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 82004198 |
| Added to NRHP | July 16, 1982 |
The Columbia River Bridge in Wenatchee, Washington, also known as the Old Wenatchee Bridge, is a historic bridge. It was built in 1908 by the Washington Bridge Company. This bridge was very important because it was the first road bridge to cross the Columbia River south of Canada.
A Bridge with a Special Job
When it was first built, the Columbia River Bridge had a unique main job. It was designed to carry pipes that moved irrigation water across the river. This water was vital for farming in the area.
The bridge is a type called a pin-connected cantilever truss. It is about 1,600 feet (490 m) long. This design helps it support heavy loads and span long distances.
Later, the Washington highway department bought the bridge. They paid $182,000 to use it for cars and trucks. The bridge had a wooden roadway about 20.5-foot (6.2 m) wide. It was even built to carry a street railway, though this part was not fully used.
From Pipes to People
In 1950, a new bridge was built to replace it for cars. This new bridge was called the Senator George Sellar Bridge. The next year, a group called the Wenatchee Reclamation District bought the old bridge for just $1.00.
They moved the water pipes from outside the bridge structure to inside it. After this, the bridge was opened for people to walk on. In 2007, some worries came up about how safe the bridge was for walkers. Repairs were then made in 2010 to make sure it was strong and safe.
Today, the Old Wenatchee Bridge is used by people walking and riding bikes. It is a part of the popular Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail. This trail is a great place for outdoor activities.
The bridge is also recognized as a special historic landmark. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 16, 1982. This means it is an important part of history and needs to be protected.
Images for kids
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Bridge in 2016
