Longest Simple Truss Bridge
Longest Simple Truss Bridge, This is the Brookport Bridge over the Ohio River, one of the longest simple truss spans in existence. It may be one of the longest simple truss spans ever built, at least in the first half of the 20th Century. Video Below
I was taking photos down by the river at sunrise and a car pulled up next to me. A woman got out and introduced herself, she was a local in the area and was excited that someone was taking pictures in her little town. This spot is one of her favorite spots to sit and enjoy a sunrise before she heads off to work.
Well, she continued to tell me about the area and mentioned this bridge here, that it is a historic bridge that you can still drive across and that most people don’t because it is very narrow and old. But thanks to her telling me about it, we had to go investigate.
It is by far the coolest bridge I have yet to cross and take photos of. There is a short video below and yes it was a little unnerving to go across it. Mainly because it is so long, one would hate to get a flat tire in the middle of this bridge.
One of the unusual details of this bridge, is that the largest span is at the southern end of the bridge, not in the middle. The navigation channel was located at the south side of the river. However, there was an additional navigation channel in the more traditional middle of the river, and to accommodate this second navigation channel there is a truss span which at 514 feet long is larger than adjacent spans (measuring 396 feet), but not as large as the 716 foot span.
Video Crossing the Bridge;
The 716 foot span has some additional unusual details. While the roadway maintains the same narrow 19.7 foot width, the 716 foot span is notably wider (distance between trusses) so on this span there is a gap between the edge of the roadway and the truss lines. The reason for this is presumably for stability reasons. The trusses of the bridge are incredibly deep (tall) due to the span length, and the extra width probably helps keep the bridge from becoming top heavy and tipping over in high winds.
Visually this is a spectacular bridge. A must see if you are ever in the area of Metropolis Illinois.
Longest Simple Truss Bridge
45 Replies to “Longest Simple Truss Bridge”
That is Cool wow
I always think of how horrifying it would be if one of these barges actually hit a support column.
I believe they have a time or to, but I don’t know the details off hand.
woah. does anyone here know anything about that?
Yes, they all get recorded some how I am sure.
Actually seen, but never went across that bridge – come through Metropolis a lot on our way home from the south. Now I am excited to try it out!
Yes, we go through Metropolis all the time as well and someone told us about this bridge. Husband was nervous driving, there isn’t much room between the rail and your car. But the coolest bridge I have ever seen. 😊
I live in Paducah, KY! Have been over this bridge many times. I remember white knuckling it when I was a teen driver going over it to visit my uncle. It is an education for sure! Good alternative to interstate 24 as it has had so much construction on its bridge the past few years. Thanks for the great pics and facts!
That is so cool, we have driven through your town every year and never knew about this bridge until this year. It sure is marrow but such a pretty bridge. It looks like a soft blue color in the morning..
Let me know when you come through again! We can have coffee!
Thank you so much for such a kind offer 🙂 I had met a lady down by the boat dock at Ft Massac campground, she is from there as well and she was the one telling us about the bridge and told us about the train bridge down at the other end of the river. We did go there, but there wasn’t as much of a view to get a photo of that one.
Loved your report- so well written, great description and fabulous images!
Thank you very much Deirdre😊
How are you doing today?
Very informative, Sandra. Thank you. I just did some further research since you made this so interesting. The bridge was completed in 1929 and the new steel grid decking and floor beams were installed in 1975-76, replacing the concrete deck. The bridge’s age explains why it is so narrow. They apparently were determined to keep the cost down. Even only an extra five feet in width would have made it a lot more comfortable. Then again, since the bridge is over a mile long it probably represented quite a savings. It’s great to see such an old bridge still performing so admirably. It was a great design and build. Also, thanks for the video. One can imagine the Model T’s of old…
Thank you RJ, I enjoyed reading this extra information. The length of the bridge was quite something to travel across and a bit nerve racking when another car was coming. I would be more nervous traveling across it in a model t. 😊
I thought there was nothing to see in Ohio 😉 , at least there is the mile-long Brookport Bridge!
Yes and it is actually between Illinois and Kentucky crossing over the Ohio River. 😊
I realize that now, so maybe there’s really nothing to see in Ohio.
I have not been to Ohio yet, it is on the list.😊
Absolutely amazing!
Thank you 🙂
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Those metal roadways with holes in them always creep me out a little. There are a few old bridges across the river here like that, but nowhere near this long.
Me to, seeing through them as high above the river it was made me a bit dizzy looking down.
Truly spectacular is this bridge that seems to float lightly on the water.
It is amazing, the construction and the age of it. And still you can drive across it. 😊
Wow… I want to go
The bridge is stunning and you were very brave to cross it!
Thank you, yes it is so narrow and looking down was a bit scarry. 😊
Fabulous! I would be so excited to see this bridge in person.
It is remarkable, and from a distance it did not look that long but once you are on the bridge, wow.
I will second that yikes and raise it an eek ! I don’t think you mentioned the steel grate deck, double eek ! I wonder how many folks skip the excitement and drive down to the I 24 bridge ?
Yes double eek for me as well. It was nerve racking to go across and it is such a long bridge 😊
🌉🌁💙🙏
Thank you very much Francine 😊
Fantastic images of such a splendid structure. Does look rather hairy crossing it!
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It was, not much room on that bridge.😊
No thank you, I’m terrified of bridges!
I know what you mean and this one is so long.
Yikes 😳😯
Yes 😊