Yale Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Yale Bridge
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Yale Bridge - Note osprey nests on tower
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 Location in Washington (state)
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| Location | Spans Lewis River on WA 503, Yale, Washington |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1932 |
| Architect | Gilbert, Harold H.; Gilpin Construction Co. |
| Architectural style | short-span steel suspension bridge |
| MPS | Historic Bridges/Tunnels in Washington State TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 82004206 |
| Added to NRHP | July 16, 1982 |
The Yale Bridge, also known as the Lewis River Bridge, is a cool old bridge that crosses the Lewis River in Washington state. It's located near a town called Yale, Washington. This special bridge was built way back in 1932.
It was needed because a new dam, the Ariel Dam, created a deep lake called Lake Merwin. The water at the bridge's spot became about 90 feet (27 meters) deep! This meant the new bridge couldn't have support poles in the water like older bridges.
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Discover the Yale Bridge
The Yale Bridge is a type of bridge called a suspension bridge. This means its main part hangs from strong cables. The bridge is 532 feet (162 meters) long in total. Its main section, which hangs over the water, is 300 feet (91 meters) long.
The road part of the bridge is 50 feet (15 meters) above the highest water level of the lake. This keeps it safe from floods. The road deck is made extra strong with a steel frame called a Warren truss.
How the Bridge Was Built
The bridge was designed by Harold H. Gilbert from the Washington State Highway Department. It was built by the Gilpin Construction Company. When it was first built, the parts leading up to the main span were supported by wooden structures.
Later, in 1957-1958, these wooden parts were replaced with stronger steel ones. This made the bridge even more durable.
Unique Features of the Bridge
The Yale Bridge is the only short-span steel suspension bridge in Washington state. It has some really interesting features that make it special:
- Only the middle part of the bridge hangs from the main cables.
- Separate cables, called backstays, run from the tall towers to concrete anchors in the rocky sides of the canyon. These cables help hold the towers steady.
- The main cables don't go continuously over the top of the towers. Instead, they stop at the towers. This design meant the cables could be smaller and still work well.
- The bridge deck, where cars drive, is made of wood covered with asphalt.
Home for Ospreys
One of the coolest things about the Yale Bridge is that it's a home for osprey birds! You can often see their large nests built on special brackets on the bridge towers. It's a great example of how nature and human structures can exist together.
A Historic Landmark
Because of its unique design and history, the Yale Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 16, 1982. This means it's recognized as an important historical site that should be protected.
Images for kids
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The Yale Bridge spanning the Lewis River.
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