Bridge #2 has two truss spans, as does Bridge #1 and Bridge #4. The bridges
feature wooden decks. Several of the bridges previously had concrete decks,
but local Boy Scout troops provided the labor to replace the concrete with
wood in order to reduce the static weight on the structures. It is hoped
that the lighter deck will help the bridges to last longer.
The Bowstring Arch Truss Bridge is unique in that the backbone and main
load bearing structural member is a curved piece of steel that forms the
top of the truss, giving it a characteristic arch appearance. The arch is
given additional strength by a horizontal steel beam that ties the two ends
of the arch together, resulting in a structure much like a bow and arrow.
The weight of the bridge pulls down on the arch, which would tend to push
the ends of the arch apart. The horizontal tie beam holds the ends of the
arch from spreading. This allows the arch to support a great deal of weight.
The ferry crossing was replaced with a permanent steel bridge in 1892. At
the same time, the road was improved by raising its grade above the level of
the swamp. There were 8 gaps that were too long to be filled or too deep
for culverts, so wooden bridges were installed. This provided a smooth and
level road that was easily passable by buggy and wagon traffic.
The photo above is a view of Bridge #2 as one would approach the bridge while
heading west on McGilvray Road. The photo below is a view of the downriver
side of Bridge #2 as seen from the southeast corner of the structure.
The photo above is looking west down the length of the bridge deck from the
southeast corner of Bridge #2. The photo below is looking east down the
bridge deck from the west end of the bridge.
The photo above is a detail view where the two bridge spans meet. The
arch shape of the bridge truss would tend to push the ends of the bridge
outward, but a tie rod strung between each end of each truss prevents any
outward movement of the steel truss backbone. The photo below is a detail
view of a clip that attaches a suspension rod to the bridge backbone.
The photo above is looking south from Bridge #2. The photo below is looking
north from Bridge #2. While this body of water was once a large side
channel running through the river bottom area, it is plugged with sentiment
and the water is stagnant. The power pole supports a power line that
parallels McGilvray Road through the river bottom area.
The photo above is the pilings and abutment wing at the southeast corner
of the structure. These wood components were rebuilt with new materials
during the 1990-era restoration. The photo below is the view looking
west down McGilvray Road towards Bridge #3, located 800 feet west of
Bridge #2.