Mower Road – Cole Drain Bridge facts for kids

The Mower Road – Cole Drain Bridge is a special bridge in Spaulding Township, Michigan. It carries Mower Road over a waterway called the Cole Drain. This bridge is important because it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. It is thought to be the longest "straight chord through girder" bridge still used on public roads today.

History of the Mower Road Bridge

When Was the Bridge Built?

The Mower Road – Cole Drain Bridge was designed in 1920. The Michigan State Highway Department created the plans for it.

Who Built the Bridge?

The department hired a company named Denton and Johnson from Saginaw. They built the bridge in the same year, 1920. This bridge has been in use ever since it was built.

What Does the Mower Road Bridge Look Like?

Bridge Design and Materials

The Mower Road – Cole Drain Bridge is made of concrete. It has three main sections, called spans. Each span uses a design called a "through girder." This means the main support beams go up above the road deck.

Key Features of the Bridge

The bridge's sections are held up by concrete supports. These supports are called abutments and piers. The piers have pointed ends, which help water flow around them. The bridge has straight girders that are 45 feet long. These girders also act as the guardrails along the sides of the concrete road.

Decorations and Special Plates

The outside of the girders has simple, rectangular designs. These add a little decoration to the bridge. You can also find special bronze plates on each girder. These plates say "State Reward Bridge," showing that the state helped pay for its construction.