Sixth Street Bridge, Historic road bridge in Grand Rapids, United States
The Sixth Street Bridge is a road bridge in Grand Rapids that carries traffic across the Grand River using four parallel steel trusses. The structure spans approximately 536 feet and sits on piers built from local limestone.
The bridge was built in 1886 by the Massillon Bridge Company and is one of Michigan's oldest steel bridges. Its construction was part of Grand Rapids' expansion as a commercial center during the late 1800s.
The bridge connects the West Side district of Grand Rapids to downtown and serves as a familiar landmark in the neighborhood's daily routines. Locals cross it regularly on foot or by car, making it a central part of how the community moves through the city.
The bridge is narrow but accommodates two-way traffic lanes and has sidewalks wide enough for comfortable pedestrian crossing. The railings provide safety and visibility for people on foot, making it easy to cross whether driving or walking.
In 1921, engineers shortened one of the truss sections when a nearby canal was filled in and the riverbank was modified. This alteration shows how the structure adapted to changes in the city's landscape over time.
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