Duvall Bridge (Laurel, Maryland) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Duvall Bridge |
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|---|---|
| Coordinates | 39°02′42″N 76°47′20″W / 39.045003°N 76.788812°W |
| Carries | Lago road, (former) Telegraph Road |
| Crosses | Patuxent River |
| Named for | Charles Duvall |
| Owner | United States Department of the Interior |
| Heritage status | Historic American Engineering Record, Maryland Historical Trust |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Pratt truss |
| Material | steel |
| History | |
| Constructed by | unknown |
| Construction end | 1907 |
| Rebuilt | 2012 (reopened) |
| Closed | 1977 |
The Duvall Bridge is a historic, single-lane bridge. It crosses the Patuxent River near Laurel, Maryland. This old bridge has a long history. It connects different parts of a special wildlife area today.
Contents
History of Duvall Bridge
Early Bridges and Plantations
People have used a bridge at this spot since the mid-1700s. The very first bridge helped people get to a mill. This mill was on a large farm called "Goodwood." Dr. Charles Duvall owned this farm. It was later renamed "Gladswood."
The Duvall family arrived in Maryland in 1650. Mareen Duvall was an early family member. His farm was further down the river.
The Steel Bridge and Telegraph Road
The current steel bridge was built around 1907. It was an important crossing for many years. It carried the main telegraph lines between Baltimore and Washington. This route was known as "Telegraph Road."
A Bridge for Wildlife
In 1936, the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center was created. This center helps study and protect wildlife. The bridge became part of the federal government's land in 1941.
A special plaque was put on the bridge in 1966. It was placed there by the Duvall society.
Closure and Reopening
The bridge faced a challenge in 1977. Heavy flooding damaged it. Because of the damage, the bridge was closed for safety. It could no longer be used.
However, the Duvall Bridge was repaired in 2012. It was made safe and strong again. Now, it helps connect different areas of the Patuxent Research Refuge.
What Makes Duvall Bridge Special?
A Rare Truss Bridge
The Duvall Bridge is a truss bridge. A truss bridge uses a framework of triangles. This design makes the bridge very strong. It helps the bridge hold up its weight and the weight of traffic.
Even though truss bridges were common, the Duvall Bridge is special. It is one of only two surviving truss bridges in Prince George's County, Maryland. The other one is Governor's Bridge (Patuxent River).
Bridge Design Details
The Duvall Bridge has a special deck. It is cross-braced. This design supported wooden planks that formed the road surface.
There is a plaque on the bridge. It lists the names of the Anne Arundel County commissioners from 1907:
- G.D. Ridout
- J.H. Wayson
- J.M. Beard
- H.D. Cook
- J.S. Smith
- W.T. Wells
- A.A. Shipley
See also
