Drake Hill Road Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Drake Hill Road Bridge
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2010 photo
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 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
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| Location | Old Bridge Rd. at Farmington River, Simsbury, Connecticut |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1892 |
| Architect | Buddington, J. H. |
| Architectural style | Parker truss |
| NRHP reference No. | 84000999 |
| Added to NRHP | July 19, 1984 |
The Drake Hill Road Bridge, also known as the Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge, is a special bridge in Simsbury, Connecticut. It was built way back in 1892. This bridge used to carry Drake Hill Road over the Farmington River.
It is one of only three "Parker truss" bridges from the 1800s still standing in Connecticut. Because it is so old and unique, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Today, people can only walk or bike across it.
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What is the Drake Hill Road Bridge?
The Drake Hill Road Bridge is a historic structure. It is famous for its beautiful seasonal flowers. This is why many people call it the "Flower Bridge."
It is a great example of old bridge building. The bridge helps connect people to nature. It offers a nice spot to enjoy the Farmington River.
Where is the bridge located?
You can find the Drake Hill Road Bridge a short distance southeast of the center of Simsbury. It sits between Old Bridge Road and Riverside Road. Riverside Road runs next to the east side of the Farmington River.
Drake Hill Road now crosses the river on a newer, modern bridge. The old bridge is just for fun. It is a peaceful place for people to visit.
How was the bridge built?
The bridge was built in 1892. It is a single-span bridge. This means it crosses the river in one long section. It uses a special design called a "Parker through truss."
The bridge is made from strong materials like wrought iron, cast iron, and steel. It rests on sturdy brownstone supports called abutments. The roadway is about 12 feet (3.7 meters) wide. The bridge stretches about 183 feet (56 meters) across the river.
It has a wooden plank deck. This deck is perfect for walking or biking. The sides of the bridge are decorated with planters. These planters are filled with colorful flowers each season.
What is the bridge used for today?
This bridge was built to replace an older wooden bridge. The town needed a stronger bridge in 1890. It took a couple of years to get the money.
The bridge carried cars and other vehicles until 1992. That's when the new Drake Hill Road bridge was built. Now, the old bridge is only for people walking or riding bikes. It is a popular spot for photos and enjoying the view.
