Mottville Bridge on US 12 in Michigan
by Sue Smith
Title
Mottville Bridge on US 12 in Michigan
Artist
Sue Smith
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
A Michigan engineering landmark this three-span, 270-foot-long bridge is the longest example of a reinforced concrete camelback bridge in Michigan. These bridges are found primarily in Michigan and Ontario, Canada. The Michigan State Highway Department pioneered the use of standardized designs for concrete bridges. By the early 1920’s, the department had established standardized plans for camelback spans of 50, 60, 70, 75, and 90 feet. This bridge has three identical 90-foot spans.
The Great Sauk Trail, which connected Detroit, Chicago, and Green Bay, Wisconsin, crossed the St. Joseph River at a shallow spot in the vicinity. Responding to the westward migration of pioneers, the federal government surveyed the trail and converted it to the Chicago Road (presently US 12) in 1825. Several bridges were built and replaced between 1833 and 1922 with this three-span camelback bridge built in 1922 being the last one standing. It was preserved as an engineering landmark by the Michigan Department of Transportation when the present US 12 bridge was erected. It is also a Michigan Registered Historic Site.
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Uploaded
March 31st, 2018
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