Glen Falls Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Glen Falls Bridge
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 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
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| Location | End of Brunswick Ave. over Moosup River, Plainfield, Connecticut |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1886 |
| Architect | Berlin Iron Bridge Company |
| Architectural style | Lenticular through Truss |
| NRHP reference No. | 99000408 |
| Added to NRHP | April 01, 1999 |
The Glen Falls Bridge is a very old and special bridge in Plainfield, Connecticut. It was built way back in 1886 by a company called the Berlin Iron Bridge Company. This bridge is unique because it's a "lenticular truss" bridge. Not many of these bridges are left today!
The Glen Falls Bridge used to carry Brunswick Avenue over the Moosup River. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. This means it's an important historical site. Even though it's historic, the bridge has been closed for a long time. No cars or people can use it anymore.
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What is the Glen Falls Bridge Like?
The Glen Falls Bridge is located near the village of Moosup. It crosses the Moosup River, just south of North Main Street. Near the bridge, there used to be an old mill complex from the 1800s.
How Was the Bridge Built?
This bridge is made from wrought iron. It has a special shape called a "lenticular pony truss." This means the top and bottom parts of the bridge's frame curve like a lens. The bridge is about 124 feet (37.8 meters) long. It sits on strong concrete supports that were added later.
The road part of the bridge is about 18 feet (5.5 meters) wide. The tall truss parts rise about 18 feet (5.5 meters) above the road. The road itself is about 10 feet (3 meters) above the river.
History of the Glen Falls Bridge
The Berlin Iron Bridge Company built the Glen Falls Bridge in 1886. Back then, the road it was on was the main way to travel east and west through the area. It was a very important route for people and goods.
Why Did the Bridge Close?
In 1940, a new road, Connecticut Route 14, was built. This new road bypassed the Glen Falls Bridge. This meant fewer cars needed to use the old bridge.
Even though the main parts of the bridge are original, some sections have been replaced over the years. For example, some of the main support posts were replaced in 1920. Today, the bridge is closed to everyone, including cars and people walking.
A Rare Type of Bridge
When the Glen Falls Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999, it was one of only fifteen "lenticular truss" bridges left in Connecticut. This makes it a very special and rare example of old bridge building.
