The Hansen Bridge is a truss bridge that spans the Downie River, connecting Upper Main and Pearl Streets in Downieville, California. Constructed in 1935, it is a rare surviving example of a one-lane, side-panel steel Pratt truss bridge. On July 10, 2012, the bridge was added the National Register of Historic Places in recognition of its historical and architectural importance. Also known as Scott's Bridge, or the Peral Street Bridge, it was the only bridge in the area to survive the 1937 flood.
Hansen Bridge | |
.jpg) Hansen Bridge in 2018 | |
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| Location | Upper Main and Pearl Streets, Downieville, California, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 39°33′47″N 120°49′31″W / 39.56306°N 120.82528°W |
| Area | 0.1 acres (0.040 ha) |
| Built | 1935 |
| Built by | Lord and Bishop |
| Architectural style | Truss bridge |
| MPS | Highway Bridges of California MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 12000399[1] |
| Added to NRHP | July 10, 2012 |
History
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The Hansen Bridge is one of four signle-lane bridges that connect the town of Downieville, California. Originally built in 1935, it was the only bridge to survive the 1937 flood, which destroyed both the Jersey and Durgan Bridges.[2] The Hansen Bridge sustained damage in the 1937 flood but was repaired and returned to service by 1938. Built by Lord and Bishop of Sacramento, the bridge was constructed at a cost of $1,975 (equivalent to $43,891 in 2023).[3][4]
Design
editThe Hansen Bridge was designed to accommodate both automotive and pedestrian traffic, spanning east to west across the Downie River and connecting Upper Main and Pearl Streets. This single-lane bridge measures 12.4 ft (3.8 m) in width and 80 feet (24 m) in length. Built in the style of a steel Pratt pony truss bridge, it features steel I-beams fastened with riveted steel plates. Steel guardrails extend outward from the pony truss on both sides. The roadway deck is supported by wooden stringers that run the full length of the bridge, with an asphalt surface covering the deck. The structure is anchored by two concrete pilings at each end, resting on concrete footings, with wooden boards between the pilings. A water pipe runs along the northern edge of the bridge.[3]
Historical Significance
editOnly a few single-lane Pratt truss bridges remain in California today. The Hansen Bridge is closely tied to the community planning and development of Downieville in Sierra County, particularly in its role following the 1937 Downieville flood. It serves as a notable example of the truss bridge design. Its period of significance spans from 1935 to 1938.[3]
See also
editFurther reading
edit- “The Great Flood of 1937, Downieville, California,” by Virginia Lutes
- James J. Sinnott (1972). Downieville, Gold Town on the Yuba.
- James J. Sinnott (1973). History of Sierra County, A General history of Sierra County.
- National Geographic’s Guide to Small Town Escapes. National Geographic. 2000.
References
edit- ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. November 2, 2013.
- ^ "Flood Relief Imperative At Downivelle". The Union. Grass Valley, California. December 12, 1937. Retrieved October 19, 2024.
- ^ a b c Adams, Lee (May 25, 2012). "Hansen Bridge - National Register of Historic Places Registration Form". National Park Service. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
- ^ "SHRC REGISTRATION ACTION- January 20, 2012". California State Parks. Retrieved October 19, 2024.
External links
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Media related to Hansen Bridge (Downieville, California) at Wikimedia Commons