Waltz Road–Huron River Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Waltz Road–Huron River Bridge
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Recently reconstructed bridge in September 2020
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 Location in Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Location | Waltz Rd. over Huron R., Huron Township, Michigan |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1924 |
| Built by | Mount Vernon Bridge Company; Swingle & Robinson |
| Architect | Wayne County Road Commission |
| Architectural style | Camelback pony truss |
| MPS | Highway Bridges of Michigan MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 00000081 |
| Added to NRHP | February 10, 2000 |
The Waltz Road–Huron River Bridge is a special bridge in Huron Charter Township, Michigan. It crosses over the Huron River. This bridge is important because it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in the year 2000. This means it's recognized as a significant historical landmark.
Contents
History of the Bridge
The Waltz Road–Huron River Bridge was built in 1924. The Wayne County Road Commission oversaw its construction. It cost about $65,000 to build back then.
Why the Bridge Was Built
Before this bridge, there was a smaller footbridge. That old bridge helped local children cross the Huron River. It allowed them to get to school safely. The new, bigger bridge replaced that old footbridge.
Who Built It
Two different companies worked on the bridge. Swingle & Robinson, contractors from Wyandotte, Michigan, built the lower parts (the substructure). The Mt. Vernon Bridge Company from Mount Vernon, Ohio built the main upper structure (the superstructure).
Recent Changes
In 2017, the bridge was closed for repairs. It was 93 years old at that time. Officials decided it was better to replace the bridge completely. They did this instead of just repairing the old one. The new bridge opened in June 2019. Toebe Construction, LLC, helped rebuild it.
What the Bridge Looks Like
The entire Waltz Road–Huron River Bridge is about 207 feet (63 meters) long. The main part that crosses the river is 100 feet (30 meters) long. The bridge is 27 feet (8.2 meters) wide.
Bridge Design
The main part of the bridge has two special sections. These are called "camelback Pratt pony trusses." A truss is a strong framework that supports the bridge. "Camelback" means the top line of the truss has a curved shape, like a camel's hump. "Pony truss" means the framework doesn't go above the roadway.
Sidewalks and Railings
There are sidewalks on both sides of the bridge. They are attached to the outside of the trusses. The original railings were fancy concrete fences with urn-shaped spindles. These have been replaced with simpler metal railings. At each end of the bridge, there are solid concrete walls. These walls help guide traffic onto the bridge.
Images for kids
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Original bridge before replacement -
Roadway crossing the Huron River
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