Lake Leelanau Narrows Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Lake Leelanau Narrows Bridge
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Michigan
|
|
| Location | M-204 over Lake Leelanau Narrows, Leland Township, Michigan |
|---|---|
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1939 |
| Built by | Hillding Construction Co. |
| Architect | Michigan State Highway Department |
| Architectural style | Steel I-beam stringer |
| MPS | Highway Bridges of Michigan MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 99001732 |
| Added to NRHP | January 27, 2000 |
The Lake Leelanau Narrows Bridge is a special bridge in Leland Township, Michigan. It crosses the narrowest part of Lake Leelanau. This bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000 because of its importance. It helps people travel easily across the lake.
Building the Lake Leelanau Bridge
For a long time, Lake Leelanau made it hard to travel east and west. The lake was like a big barrier. The first wooden bridge was built here in 1864. Later, a metal bridge replaced it around 1894 or 1895.
By 1939, the old metal bridge was getting worn out. The Michigan State Highway Department decided it was time for a new one. They wanted to help the local tourism business. So, they built this new bridge about 200 yards north of the old one.
This bridge project was part of a bigger plan. It was funded by the Federal Emergency Administration of Public Works. This program helped create jobs during the Great Depression. It paid for many public projects, like roads and bridges.
What the Bridge Looks Like
The Lake Leelanau Narrows Bridge crosses the narrowest part of Lake Leelanau. The lake is about 15 miles (24 km) long. The bridge has three main sections, called spans. Each span is 60 feet (18 meters) long.
Each span is made of nine strong steel beams. These beams rest on concrete supports in the middle of the water. The ends of the bridge sit on slanted concrete walls. The bottom of each support is shaped like a point. This helps the water flow around them.
The bridge also has four posts on each support. The outside posts have a cool, smooth curve. This style is called Streamline Moderne. You can see a similar curve on the concrete railings above the bridge. The bridge deck is 38 feet (12 meters) wide. It has sidewalks on both sides for people to walk on.
