Built in 1927, this bridge consists of two Oklahoma State Highway Commission standard-design 80-foot Parker pony trusses along with steel stringer approach spans. Below is a view of the structure looking north. Two approach spans are used at each end, each span is approx. 40 feet in length.
Above, looking south. The bridge was recently closed because of the condition of the railings. We had learned while visiting another old highway 99 bridge in Seminole County that county maintenance crews had torn the guard rails up. The last posted weight on this bridge was 9 tons.
Below, a view of the concrete guard rails. These are what we've come to call concrete "fence" style rails, and they are a common design feature on bridges built from the late 'teens to the early 1950's. The horizontal rails were precast.
Above, even sections of the lattice safety rail were found missing, as can be seen in this deck view of the trusses. These are each 80-feet long, and were extremely popular all throughout the truss-building era.
Below, these three photographs rather humorously show David, our resident civil engineer, pointing out that there is no need to worry, as this bridge is "secure", with an old padlock we found locked around the exposed rebar of the damaged railings.
Above, we're pretty sure that he won't be court-martialed for this!
Below, damaged endpost on one of the truss spans.
Above, a section of steel guardrail attached to the old concrete work-with baling wire!
Below, one of the vertical concrete posts that was deliberately knocked over. If what we've heard was true, this and the other damage seen is nothing more than tax-payer funded vandalism.
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