Our air quality was good enough for a ride today. Kept it to 26 miles. No breathing issues though my wife was having a few so she stayed home. I road a loop that follows some pretty gravel and paved backroads. I had planned on riding over an old steel bridge I was able to drive over in my younger years, I think I was driving my '49 Ford pickup at the time. I was dissapointed when I arrived to find the bridge closed to all traffic.
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Known locally as the Cotton Bros bridge after its builder, Cotton Bros & Co, the bridge was authorized for construction in 1898.
I found a rough inscription in the newer concrete bridge abutments that read "1951". I think I last crossed it in the 60's. What's the saying; "If you can remember the 60's, you weren't there"?...
I'm sure structural failire of the wooden bridge deck caused its closing.
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You just make out the concrete and steel replacement bridge under the Cotton Bros bridge.
I found these citations for this bridge online;
“NEVADA CITY, CAL – Cotton Bros. & Co, Oakland, CAL were awarded a contract April 14 by the county supervisors for constructing the following bridges; steel bridge over Deer Creek, $2,248.” – Engineering News and American Railway Journal, Volume 39, April 28, 1898, pg. 145
“The Cotton Brothers and Company was an important California based bridge builder of metal truss bridges in the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century. They built several bridges in Nevada County during the 1890’s, including the Purdon Bridge.” – Historic American Building Survey, National Park Service
I posted earlier about the Purdon Crossing bridge over the S. Yuba River.
Both of these bridges are Pratt Through Truss bridges as the road bed runs through the truss. The Purdon Crossing bridge has been reognized for its historical significance. I hope that this unique bit of history is recognized and restored as well.
The Sacramento Valley's AQI was 55 this afternoon. Heading for a ride down there in the AM.
Ride On!...