Drake Hill Road Bridge, Metal truss pedestrian bridge in Simsbury, Connecticut.
Drake Hill Road Bridge is a metal truss pedestrian bridge that spans 183 feet (56 meters) across the Farmington River. The structure features a wooden plank deck about 12 feet (3.7 meters) wide supported by brownstone abutments on either side.
The structure was built in 1892 and served vehicle traffic for about a century until a modern bridge replaced it in 1992. After stepping back from regular traffic, the older bridge was repurposed for pedestrians only and now holds protected landmark status.
The bridge takes its name from the nearby Drake Hill Road and connects two riverbanks that have long held importance for the local community. Today visitors often walk here for leisurely strolls and stop to photograph the water views.
The walkway is wide enough for pedestrians and offers good views of the river and surrounding landscape. Access is free and the structure is easy to locate when approaching Drake Hill Road in Simsbury.
This is one of only three remaining Parker truss bridges in Connecticut, visibly displaying wrought iron and steel elements. The age and rare construction type make it a valuable example of early bridge engineering in New England.
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