Main Street Bridge, Iron truss bridge in Califon, United States
Main Street Bridge is an iron truss structure crossing the South Branch Raritan River in Califon, featuring original Pratt through trusses as its primary structural system. The span extends across the water with a roadway that accommodates two-way traffic, supporting the local transportation network through the center of town.
The structure was built in 1887 by I P Bartley & Company from Mount Olive Township and has shaped the local infrastructure since then. In the 1980s, it received strengthening work to meet modern traffic demands and continue serving the community.
This bridge serves as a practical link in the historic center of Califon, connecting both sides of the community along a road that residents and visitors use daily. It stands for a time when engineering structures formed the backbone of local infrastructure and allowed the community to grow.
The bridge is accessible from the main street running through Califon and is easy to reach on foot or by car since it sits in the center of town. It is best viewed during daylight hours when you can clearly see the iron framework and its surroundings.
This structure is one of the few surviving works by engineer I P Bartley and showcases the skilled craftsmanship of bridge builders in late 19th-century New Jersey. The blend of original components and later reinforcements shows how older infrastructure was adapted to meet modern demands without losing its character.
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