While driving around Georgia, I’ve noticed one bridge railing in particular: a two bar concrete railing with rectangular concrete posts. It’s a rather simple design and it’s used all over Georgia’s highways (those that I’ve seen in south Georgia), from long spans to short spans, interstates and state highways. Something about this railing says engineering and economic efficiency, yet there is an aesthetic quality to it. And those that are replaced with concrete Jersey barriers are just not the same.
Georgia railing as seen from the passenger seat.
Bridges take us from one side to another, physically and/or metaphorically (whichever you prefer). Historic bridges stand as records of engineering heritage. Each genre of bridge speaks to its designers, materials available at the time, the technology available, the width of vehicles they transported, and methods of construction. And, quite often, those historic bridges that survive today are beautiful, photogenic and interesting to see. Covered bridges, metal truss bridges, arch bridges, small ornamental concrete railings – they’re all a part of the larger picture of bridges and transportation.
Unfortunately, because our transportation needs are constantly changing due to larger, heavier vehicles, more traffic, and safety standards, many of our historic bridges must be repaired, altered, or replaced. Deferred maintenance and deteriorating materials place many of our historic bridges at risk for demolition. Even with federal regulations to aid in preservation, the decision to rehabilitate a historic bridge is sometimes a difficult path.
Every resource needs an advocate or many, and advocates need a guiding force. What do historic bridges have? Enter the Historic Bridge Foundation based in Austin, TX. Before diving into the nuts and bolts of HBF, read the story on the main page, which is written by Executive Director, Kitty Henderson. She writes about the Vida Shaw Swing Bridge and how it really inspired the work of the HBF.
After you read Kitty’s story, take a moment in the comments to share your favorite bridge or a bridge story. Why do you love bridges? What got you hooked on bridges? What do you think of bridges? Tomorrow I’ll share more about the HBF and its mission, work, accomplishments, and challenges.
A few bridges posts from over the years (I love bridges; I write about them often):
- Pop Quiz bridge,
- Highgate Lenticular Truss,
- Bridges on the Mississippi River,
- A Replacement Bridge,
- The First Girder,
- B is for Bridge,
- A Favorite Bridge,
- How to Photograph a Bridge,
- Abandoned Bridge.
I’m looking forward to our bridge conversations. And if you’re here for #pastforward, be sure to visit the Historic Bridge Foundation in the Preservation Studio (exhibitor’s hall).
Preservation in Pink 
I’m partial to covered bridges, myself. They have a lot of charm.
I like the majestic bridges too — Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tower Bridge in London, for example.
Agreed, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel is spectacular. That was always one of my favorites on family road trips when I was a child.
It is awe-inspiring.
Enter Workin’ Bridges which provides real numbers for those interested in making good decisions about restoring bridges. I was in Savannah for the Historic Roads Conference and wish I could have made the NTHP conference as well, but check us out on bridges such as Waterford Bridge in Minnesota, Bunker Mill Bridge in Iowa, Comer Bridge in Alabama and look for some interesting press in the next few weeks as we work to preserve these historic bridges.
We call these Kansas corral ralings. We also do Texas balustrade for Section 106 work.
Thanks, Chad! I love these Kansas rails. And the Texas rail, too.