South Union Street–Boardman River Bridge
The South Union Street–Boardman River Bridge, also known as the Trunk Line Bridge, is a bridge located on South Union Street over the Boardman River in Traverse City, Michigan. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000.[1]
South Union Street–Boardman River Bridge | |
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| Location | S. Union St. over Boardman R., Traverse City, Michigan |
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| Coordinates | 44°45′43″N 85°37′25″W |
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1931 |
| Built by | L.W. Lamb |
| Architectural style | Built-up girder bridge |
| MPS | Highway Bridges of Michigan MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 99001651[1] |
| Added to NRHP | January7, 2000 |
Description
The South Union Street–Boardman River Bridge is 75 feet (23 m) and 40 feet (12 m) wide with a 73-foot (22 m) span over the Boardman River.[2] A park with footpath runs underneath the bridge, and a dam and the attractive American Legion Memorial Bridge can be seen on each side of the bridge. Stairs lead down along the bridge to the river park beneath.[2] The bridge is lined with a concrete balustrade railing with square spindles, and concrete parapets are at each end.[2]
History
In 1929, Traverse City undertook planning to replace the dangerous bridges crossing the Boardman River at Cass and Union Streets.[2] However, the state of Michigan took responsibility for the Union Street Bridge, which then carried US 31.[2] The state surveyed the existing bridge in late 1929, and sent plans for a new structure to the city in July 1930.[2] Bids for the bridge were solicited, and in early 1931 Jackson contractor L. W. Lamb won the contract for $66,482.[2] Additional expenditures brought the total price to almost $78,000.[2] The bridge was completed in 1931, and was praised as an aesthetic success, fitting into its park surroundings and making an attractive gateway for the region's tourists.[2]
Extensive renovation of the bridge is planned in 2023, including replacement of existing concrete deck and steel beams and the installation of a decorative pedestrian railing.[3]
References
- "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 13, 2009. Retrieved September 6, 2010.
- Staff. "Gibraltar Road Bridge". Historic Sites Online. Michigan State Housing Development Authority. Archived from the original on May 17, 2012. Retrieved September 6, 2010.
- "2023 Bridge Rehabilitation". the city of Traverse City. Retrieved October 26, 2022.
External links
- South Union Street Bridge from HistoricBridges.org