Connecticut is known for having some of the most incredible and unique landmarks in the country. This is not only true for historical buildings, but also many other structures. Especially its bridges. From quaint covered bridges in the countryside to large swing bridges, you will find structures that aren't just built for long-term durability but are also aesthetically beautiful. The historic Riverside Avenue Bridge in Greenwich is a landmark that proves that stability can be one of the most gorgeous views.
The only cast-iron bridge remaining in Connecticut, the Riverside Avenue Bridge is one of a few still left in the United States.
Designed in 1871 by FC Lourthrop and built by the Keystone Bridge Co., it was originally part of a six-part railroad bridge over the Housatonic River in Stafford and was replaced in 1884.
In 1895, the bridge was re-erected as part of a single-span expansion near Riverside Station.
The beautiful Truss design wasn't just built to look elegant and pretty. The design had a practical purpose in keeping the bridge structurally sound.
On September 29, 1977, the Riverside Avenue Bridge officially was named as a landmark on the National Historic Register of Places.
The bridge may have been designed to remain structural in its time, but the increased weight of locomotives and wear and tear soon proved that many of the cast-iron bridges were too weak to hold up over time and eventually replaced.
A survey of the bridge led to an updated structural re-design in 1986 with a rebuild of the bridge in 1988.
The project cost $2.7 million to complete and included using one crane to pull the bridge, while another crane was used to steer it. The Riverside Avenue Bridge was not only restructured but also cleaned up and repainted.
Cultural Resource Management called the bridge an "important engineering landmark".
The Riverside Avenue Bridge continues to play an important part in carrying Riverside Avenue over the New Haven Line railroad tracks. If you want to read about one of the other cast-iron bridges left in the U.S., then you'll want to discover why Pyeatt’s Mill Bridge Is A Remarkable Bridge In Indiana That Everyone Should Visit At Least Once.
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