Waterford Bridge, Steel truss bridge in Waterford Township, Minnesota, US
Waterford Bridge is a steel structure that crosses the Cannon River in Minnesota with a deck that measures 16 feet wide. Concrete supports at each end hold up the bridge, which features distinctive steel lattice trusses designed to distribute weight across the span.
The bridge was built in 1909 by the Hennepin Bridge Company under the direction of County Surveyor Charles A. Forbes. It demonstrates the engineering practices that were typical of early 20th-century construction in Minnesota.
The bridge earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places in 2010 for its engineering merit as a rare example of camelback through truss design.
The bridge sits about 2 miles northeast of Northfield and now functions as a recreational pathway for foot traffic and vehicles. It provides straightforward access for outdoor activities along what was once an active roadway.
This bridge employs a rare construction method using rigid connections and bolt fasteners instead of the rivets or pins more commonly seen at the time. This approach reflects an experimental building technique that was not widely adopted.
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