San Luis Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids San Luis Bridge |
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Bridge in 2012; plaque is inset at top-right
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| Locale | Off SH 159, San Luis, Colorado |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Open Spandrel Arch |
| Total length | 62 feet 6 inches (19.05 m) |
| Width | 14 feet 1 inch (4.29 m) (roadway) |
| Longest span | 57 feet (17 m) |
| History | |
| Architect | State Engineer of Colorado |
| Constructed by | Levy, M. F., Construction Co. |
| Construction begin | February 22, 1911 |
| Construction end | May 1911 |
| Construction cost | $4,860.35 |
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San Luis Bridge
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 Location in Colorado
Location in the United States
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| Area | 0.1 acres (0.040 ha) |
| MPS | Vehicular Bridges in Colorado TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 85000195 |
| Added to NRHP | February 4, 1985 |
The San Luis Bridge is a special old bridge in San Luis, Colorado. It is also known as the State Bridge or the Bridge over Culebra Creek. This bridge crosses over Culebra Creek. It was built a long time ago, in 1911, to carry cars. Today, people can walk or bike across it. This bridge is so important that it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Contents
Building the San Luis Bridge
In 1909, the state of Colorado decided to build a bridge over Culebra Creek. They set aside $2,000 for this project. The bridge was designed by the State Engineer of Colorado. Companies were invited to bid on building it.
Who Built the Bridge?
Several companies wanted to build the bridge. M.F. Levy Construction Company offered the lowest price. They won the job to build the bridge. The local county, Costilla County, helped pay for the rest of the cost.
When Was It Built?
Work on the bridge started on February 22, 1911. It was a bit delayed because the water in the creek was too high. But the builders finished the bridge quickly, by May 1911. Costilla County paid $2,860.35 for their part of the project.
How the Bridge Was Used
When it was first built, the San Luis Bridge carried State Highway 15. This was an important road for cars. Later, by the 1980s, it became a county road. Today, the bridge is used only by people walking or riding bikes. It is a great spot for pedestrians and cyclists.
A Historic Landmark
The San Luis Bridge was recognized as a historic place on February 4, 1985. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is a very important part of history. In 2007, money was given to fix up the bridge. This made it even better for people to use for walking and biking.
Design of the San Luis Bridge
The San Luis Bridge is made of strong, reinforced concrete. It has one main section that is about 57 feet (17 meters) long.
Unique Arch Design
The bridge has a special design called an "open spandrel arch." This means there are open spaces above the main arch. This design was not very common in the Rocky Mountains. The San Luis Bridge is one of the few bridges in Colorado with this style. It is also one of the oldest and most original open arch bridges in the state.
Bridge Structure
The top part of the bridge, where people walk, is a concrete slab. This slab is about 5 inches (13 centimeters) thick. It is held up by six concrete columns that sit on the arch. The sides of the bridge have guardrails made of steel pipe. These rails keep people safe.
