Tribute to JP Nr. 5:
While going through some of his photos, I found this one, which he took in November 2011 while he was on tour through Ohio. This bridge was one of many bridges, a person can find when visiting the city of Columbus, the state capital. It spans the Scotio River and features two different through truss spans even though they both have pinned connections. They are different because of the different portal and strut bracings. The one in the foreground is V-laced with heels that are subdivided. The gusset plates cover half the portals from each end. The bridge was most likely built between 1900 and 1910, right before the phase-out of the pinned-connecting trusses. The one in the background is a Town Lattice with heels but closed with full steel. That was probably built between 1885 and 1895. Both were most likely brought in at a later date in the 1920s but we don’t know when exactly. It’s very obvious that these two were brought in from outside to be constructed at this location. The question is from which location?
There is no information about it in Nathan Holth’s historicbridges.org website, and little info in the bridgehunter.com website. What we do know is that the bridge is located in Quarry Trails in the northwest part of the city, at the junction with Quarry Trails Dr. near Tillmore’s and Panacea Luxury Spa. The nearest crossing is at Trabue Road. The bridge has a total span of 280 feet, of which the longest is 150. It’s assumed that the bridge in the foreground is the longest. Other than that, there is no further information on this crossing.
We’re looking for some information on the bridge regarding the following:
- When were the spans constructed originally and by which bridge builders?
- Where were these spans originally located?
- When were these spans brought to this location?
- As the bridge has been abandoned, since when were they closed down to rail traffic.
In other words, we need some information about this bridge to round off its history, bring it to the attention of local residents and most importantly, encourage them to restore it for use as a trail in the Quarry Trails area. The bridge is located in an area where trails are located on each side of the Scotio. As a bonus, a lake is located on the eastern side of the river.
What do you know about this bridge? Feel free to submit your comments here or in the social media pages or use the contact info here to send some info.
As the saying goes- If you start something, finish it, but with grace. JP found a gem, let’s give this gem an ending that will please everybody- the locals, the bridge enthusiasts and lastly, for JP.
Your bridge matters. ❤
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