Airtight Bridge

The Airtight Bridge is a steel truss structure spanning the Embarras River in Coles County that exemplifies early 20th-century rural engineering design. The crossing features a metal framework characteristic of that period and continues to serve as an active road connection.

The Decatur Bridge Company built this structure in 1914 based on engineer Claude L James's designs for rural transportation connections. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981 and represents early engineering methods of that era.

The National Register of Historic Places added this bridge to its listings in 1981 for representing early 20th-century rural engineering methods.

The bridge is located north of Charleston and connects local roads across the river. It is easily accessible from surrounding rural roads and remains open for regular traffic passage.

The name comes from travelers noticing an unusually calm crossing with minimal movement or vibration. This smooth passage was particularly remarkable for a steel bridge of that period.

Location: Coles County

Inception: 1914

Official opening: 1914

Made from material: metal

GPS coordinates: 39.55500,-88.08944

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:26