Summary
The Ashtabula lift bridge (also known as the West Fifth Street bridge) is a Strauss bascule bridge that carries Ohio State Route 531 over the Ashtabula River in the harbor of Ashtabula, Ohio.
West Fifth Street Bridge | |
 The Ashtabula lift bridge in raised position | |
   | |
| Location |  SR 531 over Ashtabula River, Ashtabula, Ohio |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 41°54′1″N 80°47′53″W / 41.90028°N 80.79806°W |
| Area | less than 1 acre (0.40 ha; 4,000 m2) |
| Built | 1925 |
| Architect | Kell-Atkinson Const. |
| Architectural style | Single leaf bascule |
| NRHP reference No. | 85001801 [1] |
| Added to NRHP | August 23, 1985 |
Besides its importance as a major transportation route in Ashtabula, the bridge occupies a crucial location in the city's built environment; the Ashtabula Harbour Commercial District terminates at the bridge's western end.[2]
History edit
A river crossing had been at the bridge's site long before it was constructed.[2]
In 1889, a 19th-century pontoon bridge on the site was replaced by a through truss bridge, which permitted river access because it was a swing bridge.[2]
In 1925, the bridge was constructed by a Cleveland firm, Wendell P. Brown, for $179,000. The lifting action depends on electric motors and a massive concrete counterweight. It is one of only two of its type that remain in service in the state of Ohio,[3] and the only one extant in the state highway system.[2]
In 1985, the bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[1]
In 1986, the bridge was restored.[4]
From March 2008 through May 2009, the bridge was closed for repairs and repainting.[4]
See also edit
- The Charles Berry Bridge, another bascule bridge in Ohio
References edit
- ^ a b "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 13, 2009.
- ^ a b c d Owen, Lorrie K., ed. (1999). Dictionary of Ohio Historic Places. Vol. 1. St. Clair Shores, MI: Somerset. p. 36.
- ^ Borsvold, David (2003). Ashtabula. Arcadia Publishing. p. 18. ISBN 0-7385-2311-9.
- ^ a b Kroll, John (November 30, 2008). "Ashtabula bridge closing separates merchants from shoppers". The Plain Dealer. Retrieved 2011-01-25.
