Fink-Type Truss Bridge, Iron truss bridge in Hunterdon County, United States.
The Fink-Type Truss Bridge is an iron through truss structure that once crossed the South Branch Raritan River in Hunterdon County. This single-span bridge measured roughly 100 feet in length and 15 feet in width, connecting communities on either side of the waterway.
The Trenton Locomotive and Machine Manufacturing Company built this structure in 1857 using Albert Fink's patented design from 1854. It represented the kind of iron bridge technology that enabled railroad networks to expand across the nation during the industrial age.
The structure represented a major advancement in American engineering, as iron truss bridges enabled the rapid expansion of railways across the United States.
The bridge collapsed in 1978, after which its remains were relocated to the Hunterdon County Government Center for safekeeping and study. Today, visitors can view the preserved sections and learn about the original structure through historical documentation at this location.
The design employed multiple diagonal members that extended downward from the upper posts at different angles, eliminating the need for a lower supporting chord. This unconventional bracing system made it a notable example of practical engineering innovation during its time.
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