DENNISTON BRIDGE - MEXICO, INDIANA

 Denniston Bridge, 2.6 miles from Mexico, in Miami County, Indiana. Intersected-Miami County Rd. 440 W (approximately 500' from W. Eel River Rd. intersection) over Eel River. Construction Date-1883. Structure Length-244', Main Span-122'. Structure Type-Two Span, Metal 8 Panel Pin-Connected Pratt Through Truss, Fixed. Builder/Contractor-Massillon Bridge Company of Massillon, Ohio. Rehabilitation Date-N/A. Inventory Number - 5200050. GPS: 40.814180, -86.156852

Statement of Significance

One of the oldest Pratts extant in Indiana and the oldest example of this prolific Ohio firm, the spans retain their integrity including decorated portals and bracing.

Architectural Description

The Massillon Bridge Company of Massillon, Ohio, fabricated this two-span, pin-connected Pratt through structure of 243' upon cut stone abutments, wingwalls, and pier. Intermediate verticals of two sizes of reinforced I beams subdivide each 122' span into most of its eight panels. Eyebars provide the diagonals: pairs stretch toward center span from the top panel point to the bottom of all except the endpost panels; cylindrical eyebars with turnbuckles counter the others in the three most central panels. Special adjustable eyebars run through the intermediate verticals parallel to and about midway between the chords. U-bolted to the lower pins, heavy and rectangular girder floor-beams carry the timber deck with its 17'7" roadway and 20'5" of vertical clearance.