White River Bridge at Elkins facts for kids
Quick facts for kids White River Bridge at Elkins |
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Facing southeast on the White River
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| Coordinates | 36°00′03.2″N 94°00′13.6″W / 36.000889°N 94.003778°W |
| Carries | One lane of  CR 44 |
| Crosses | White River |
| Locale | Elkins, Washington County, Arkansas |
| Maintained by | Washington County Road Department |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Closed-spandrel arch |
| Material | Concrete |
| Total length | 204.0 ft (62.1792 m) |
| Width | 15.1 ft (4.602 m) (deck) |
| Longest span | 71.8 ft (21.8846 m) |
| History | |
| Designer | Luten Bridge Company |
| Construction end | 1921 |
| Opened | 1921 |
| Statistics | |
| Daily traffic | 934 |
| Designated: | January 24, 2008 |
| Reference #: | 07001437 |
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The White River Bridge in Elkins, Arkansas is a special old bridge that helps people cross the White River. It's located in eastern Washington County. This bridge was built a long time ago and has a unique design that made it strong and important for the community.
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The White River Bridge: A Historic Landmark
The White River Bridge is more than just a way to get across the river. It's a piece of history! This bridge was built in 1921. It carries County Road 44, which is a local road. The bridge connects different parts of the county, making travel easier for everyone.
How the Bridge Was Built
This bridge has a special design called a "closed-spandrel arch." It's also known as a Luten arch. The Luten Bridge Company from Knoxville, Tennessee owned this special design. Their design made the parts of the bridge that hold it up (called piers and abutments) extra strong. This meant they didn't need as much building material, which saved money and resources.
The White River Bridge has three arches. An arch is a curved structure that helps support the weight of the bridge. The total length of this bridge is about 192 feet (or 58.5 meters).
Why the Bridge Was Important
When the White River Bridge was finished in 1921, it made a big difference for people living nearby. Farmers in southeast Washington County could now easily bring their crops and products to sell in Elkins. Before the bridge, it was much harder to travel and transport goods across the river. The bridge helped the local economy grow and made life better for many families.
Protecting History: A Special Honor
Because of its unique design and its importance to the community's history, the White River Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008. This means it's recognized as a significant historical structure that should be protected for future generations. It's a reminder of how bridges connect people and places, and how smart engineering can help communities thrive.
