Red Bridge, approximately 2.5 miles west of Frankfort, in Franklin County, Kentucky. Intersected-Kentucky SR-1005/Devils Hollow Road (Old Alignment) over Benson Creek. Construction Date-1896. Structure Length-150'. Structure Type: Single Span, Metal 9 Panel Pin-Connected Pratt Through Truss, Fixed. Builder/Contractor: King Bridge Company of Cleveland, Ohio. Rehabilitation Date-N/A. Inventory Number-N/A. GPS: 38.207920, -84.937260.
Note: This bridge was bypassed by a modern bridge in 1980, approximate date of B&W photographs, and subsequently abandoned. Additionally, ownership of the bridge has been apparently formally transferred to a private owner. The bridge had not been maintained and the deck is falling apart. The bridge was originally listed for disposition in May 1992. The Federal Highway Administration, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the State Historic Preservation Officer sought to find an individual or organization willing to assume ownership. The FHWA and the KYTC offered to cover the cost of dismantling the structure, they would not fund site preparation or reassembly. The adjoining property owner (on the east side) was initially to assume responsibility for maintaining the bridge, However, he withdrew after determining that the bridge could not support heavy farm equipment. Now across the west side and the bridge is under private ownership. This includes most property around Benson Creek and Benson Falls. Private Property is strictly controlled, and this includes the Red Bridge Nature Preserve.
(Fortunately, I did personally meet the property owner of the east side, and obtained his permission to photograph the bridge. The Benson Falls are accessible on his land as well. The owner was very polite and explained the ownership of the west side. Apparently she is an extremely private person and very strict on any trespassing.
Benson Falls
