FRYER BRIDGE

Very well done. I would like to see the print as I am sure there is greater detail than I can see on my screen. Thanks for posting this photo.

I recognized instantly the shape of the bridge. It's unbelievable that there is one still in use.
They were once very popular, commonly fond on railroads. They were declared unsafe at the turn of the XXth century because of the many deadly accidents that occured on these fragile structure; if you knock off one structural member, the whole bridge will come down.

Marc

I recognized instantly the shape of the bridge. It's unbelievable that there is one still in use.
They were once very popular, commonly fond on railroads. They were declared unsafe at the turn of the XXth century because of the many deadly accidents that occured on these fragile structure; if you knock off one structural member, the whole bridge will come down.

Marc

You must have done a good job as a photographer ... I don't have time to consider your photograph ... I'm too busy shuddering at the thought that I might have to drive over something like this some day.

All bridges are inspected by the State Highway Department in whatever state you live in. They have to meet state standards or they will be closed. I have seen this happen numerous times, in fact I have some photos of bridges in this area that are still standing, but either closed or made into pedestrian-only bridges. So..these older bridges have a weight limit. Usually from 3 to 10 tons. If you do not exceed the weight limit on them you are just fine. In some cases to prevent large semi-trucks from attempting to cross I have seen iron or steel crossmembers welded in low enough to allow cars and light trucks to pass, but too low to allow large semi-trucks to pass. Believe me, if a bridge is open, it is safe for automobile traffic. This bridge is on the national historic register. My buddy and I go out and photograph bridge a lot. The first thing we do is drive across them. If they are closed, we attempt to walk across them. Sometimes on the closed bridges the deck has holes..we dodge around these when we walk. In regards railroad bridges..while similar in truss type to this vehicular bridge, if you compared them side-by-side, you would see how much more massive they are. There are plenty of railroad truss bridges around here, all in fine shape, some as old as this bridge is.

I remember ( That is IIRC !!!! about 1969) a bridge similar to that one when I was a kid--one lane bridge on a two lane but narrow rural hwy. and I remember this part very well (I was in the back of my parents Station Wagon)-- coming up on an accident one night--light rain and a car upside down at the entrance (our end) and apparently some teenage boys were killed--- It seemed like no time that a bypass was made along with a newer type bridge and the old bridge was knocked down (it was actually knocked into the creek below--about a 40 foot drop) and apparently was pulled by a bulldozer to a nearby field to rust away-- I am rarely in that area anymore but when I pass by the stone and concrete supports and the long overgrown road I still remember riding in my parents SW and seeing that accident!! Not exactly a fond memory but one that has stuck---and the rusting hulk (Whats left of it !) is still partially visible from the road--if you know where to look !! I remember crossing that bridge slowly and the clap-clap-clap of the wooden floor--it was really scary for a little kid and I haven't forgotten it !

These bridges are not unsafe if undamaged and used within their weight limits. Not at all, but they are an adventure to cross.