Stancer Road–North Coldwater River Bridge

The Stancer Road–North Coldwater River Bridge is a road bridge carrying Stancer Road over the North Coldwater River in Union Township, Michigan. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.[1] It is an excellent example of a pinned overhead Pratt truss bridge, which was once common in Michigan but is now quite rare.[2]

Stancer Road–North Coldwater River Bridge
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Location	Stancer Rd. over N. Coldwater R., Union Township, Michigan
Coordinates	42°1′17″N 85°5′27″W
Area	less than one acre
Built	1888
Built by	Massillon Bridge Company
Architectural style	Pratt through truss
MPS	Highway Bridges of Michigan MPS
NRHP reference No.	99001608[1]
Added to NRHP	December 22, 1999

History

This bridge was constructed by the Massillon Bridge Company, likely in 1888. It was probably commissioned by the local township, although no information exists regarding its construction.[2] The bridge is still open to vehicular traffic, although with a weight limit of three tons. The bridge was rehabilitated in 2007.[3]

Description

The Stancer Road Bridge is a six-panel pin-connected Pratt through truss bridge, spanning 88 feet and 14 feet wide. The substructure consists of concrete abutments with concrete wing walls over stone. The truss is wrought iron, made of back-to-back channels or paired bars. A modern metal guard rail is installed on the bridge, and a wooden deck is laid across the I-beam flooring. The number "88" appears in the center of the bridge plates, likely indicating the year of construction.[2]

An old dam spillway is located near the bridge.[2]

References

1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
2. Chad J. Perkins; Charlene K. Raise (January 1998), NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES REGISTRATION FORM: Stancer Road/North Coldwater River Bridge (note: large pdf file)
3. "Stancer Road Bridge". Historic Bridges. Retrieved September 5, 2017.