Sheely Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sheely Bridge |
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Bridge in 2010
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| Coordinates | 39°11′35″N 106°49′1″W / 39.19306°N 106.81694°W |
| Carries | Pedestrians |
| Crosses | Roaring Fork River |
| Locale | Aspen, CO, USA |
| Owner | City of Aspen |
| Heritage status | NRHP #85000223 |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Pratt through truss |
| Material | Steel, concrete, wood |
| Total length | 87 feet (27 m) |
| Width | 15 feet 3 inches (4.65 m) |
| Height | 20 feet 6 inches (6.25 m) |
| Longest span | 85 feet (26 m) |
| Number of spans | 1 |
| Clearance above | 17 feet (5.2 m) |
| History | |
| Designer | Charles Sheely |
| Constructed by | Charles G. Sheely |
| Construction end | 1911 |
| Construction cost | $6,300 |
| Opened | 1911 |
The Sheely Bridge is a historic bridge in Aspen, United States. It carries people walking across the Roaring Fork River. You can find it at Mill Street Park.
This bridge was first called the Carbondale Bridge. It was built in a different town, Carbondale, and later moved to Aspen. The bridge is named after its designer and builder, Charles Sheely. When it was first built, it was one of the first bridges in Colorado to use rivets. Rivets are like strong metal pins that hold parts together.
The Sheely Bridge was used for cars until the 1960s. In 1985, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is an important historical site. It is one of only two bridges in Aspen with this special honor.
How the Sheely Bridge Is Built
The Sheely Bridge is located in Mill Street Park, just north of downtown Aspen. It crosses the Roaring Fork River. On one side, there's an open field and ponds. On the other side, there's a wooded area.
The bridge is a type called a Pratt through truss. This means the main support structure is above the bridge deck. It is made mostly of strong steel. The bridge deck, where people walk, is made of timber (wood). Steel beams underneath support the deck.
The bridge also has concrete walls at its ends. These walls help support the bridge. There is a special criss-cross pattern, called latticework, under the guardrails. This adds to its design.
The Sheely Bridge's Journey Through Time
The Sheely Bridge was designed by Charles Sheely. He was a very important bridge builder in Colorado in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Some of his other famous bridges include the Rifle Bridge. He also built the Rainbow Arch Bridge, which was once the longest of its kind.
The Sheely Bridge was first built in 1911. It was made to carry State Highway 133 over the Roaring Fork River in Carbondale. It replaced an older bridge that was too old to use. This bridge was special because it was one of the first to use rivets in Colorado. It cost about $6,300 to build back then. That would be a lot more money today!
The bridge served its purpose in Carbondale for 55 years. Then, a newer bridge replaced it. The Sheely Bridge was then moved to its current spot in Aspen. When it was moved, it was made shorter. Two sections were removed, changing its length to 87-foot (27 m). Today, it is one of the few bridges built by Charles Sheely that are still standing. It is also the oldest riveted truss bridge left in Colorado.
See also
In Spanish: Puente Sheely para niños
