List of bridges on the National Register of Historic Places in Utah facts for kids
Utah is a state in the western United States, known for its amazing natural beauty, including mountains, deserts, and national parks. To help people travel through this diverse landscape, many bridges and tunnels have been built over the years. Some of these structures are so special and important that they have been added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). This means they are recognized for their historical significance, unique design, or important role in connecting communities.
This article will introduce you to some of these cool bridges and tunnels in Utah that are listed on the NRHP. They tell stories about how people traveled, built things, and explored the state long ago.
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Amazing Bridges and Tunnels in Utah
Cable Creek Bridge
The Cable Creek Bridge was built in 1932. It is located on the Floor of the Valley Road inside the beautiful Zion National Park. This bridge is a great example of "NPS Rustic" style architecture. This style was often used for buildings and structures in national parks to make them blend in with the natural surroundings, looking like they were part of the landscape. The bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.
Dewey Bridge
The Dewey Bridge was a historic bridge built in 1916. It crossed the Colorado River near the town of Dewey, Utah. For many years, it was an important part of Utah State Route 128. Sadly, this old bridge was destroyed by a wildfire in 2008. Even though it's gone, it was recognized for its history and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
Hurricane-LaVerkin Bridge
Built in 1908, the Hurricane-LaVerkin Bridge connects the towns of Hurricane and La Verkin. It crosses the Virgin River, which is a major river in southern Utah. This bridge was once part of the old Utah State Route 9. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995, showing its importance to local transportation history.
Lincoln Highway Bridge
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The Lincoln Highway Bridge was built way back in 1900. It is located at the Dugway Proving Ground and crosses Government Creek. This bridge was part of the historic Lincoln Highway, which was one of the first roads to stretch all the way across the United States. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
Murphy Trail and Bridge
The Murphy Trail and Bridge were built in 1917. This unique structure is a sidehill viaduct, which is like a bridge built along the side of a hill. It's part of the Murphy Trail that goes down from the Island in the Sky district in Canyonlands National Park. This trail and bridge help people explore the amazing canyons and landscapes of the park. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
Rockville Bridge
The Rockville Bridge was built in 1924. It crosses the Virgin River in the small town of Rockville, Utah. This bridge is an important local landmark, helping people get around the area. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.
San Rafael Bridge
The San Rafael Bridge was built in two parts, in 1935 and 1937. It crosses the San Rafael River southeast of Castle Dale. This bridge is sometimes called the "San Rafael Swinging Bridge" because of its design. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.
Southern Pacific Railroad: Ogden-Lucin Cut-Off Trestle
This impressive structure, known as the Ogden-Lucin Cut-Off Trestle, was built between 1902 and 1904. It's a long railroad bridge that crosses a part of the Great Salt Lake west of Ogden. This "cut-off" helped trains save time by avoiding a longer route around the lake. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
Weber River Railroad Bridge
The Weber River Railroad Bridge was built in 1897. It is located about half a mile west of Union Station in Ogden, along Exchange Road. This bridge has been an important part of the railroad system in Utah for over a century. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2015.
Zion-Mount Carmel Highway
The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway was completed in 1930. This entire highway, which is part of Utah State Route 9, is considered a historic landmark. It goes through Zion National Park and includes several bridges over rivers like the North Fork Virgin River and Pine Creek. It also features two tunnels, with the most famous being the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. This highway was a huge engineering feat for its time, allowing easier access to the park's beautiful eastern side. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
