Frederick W. Panhorst Bridge, Concrete deck arch bridge in Russian Gulch State Park, California.
The Frederick W. Panhorst Bridge is a concrete deck arch bridge that crosses Russian Gulch Creek within the state park. Its open-spandrel design rests on two rocky headlands rather than traditional bridge supports.
The bridge was completed in 1940 to replace a wooden trestle from 1911 that could no longer handle growing traffic volumes. This replacement was part of broader improvements to California's coastal highway.
The bridge honors a longtime administrator of California's highway bridge division through its 1974 naming. This recognition reflects how the state chose to remember those who shaped its coastal road infrastructure.
The bridge carries highway traffic and provides access to hiking trails and viewpoints throughout the park. Coastal winds can be strong here, so plan for changing weather conditions when exploring the surrounding area.
Engineer Henry E. Kuphal designed the structure to rest on two rocky headlands without additional supports, making use of the natural landscape to strengthen the arch. This approach simplified construction while taking advantage of existing geological features.
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