| This combination steel double-leaf bascule drawspan and reinforced concrete
through tied arch structure is an outstanding example of the bridge engineering
of Conde B. McCullough. Decorative treatment abounds with approach pylons,
ornate railings, obelisk towers, and other details of the bridge. The Florence
Bridge was one of five major structures built as part of Oregons Coast
Bridges project in 1936. Like the other bridges completed on the Oregon
Coast Highway in 1936, the Florence Bridge replaced ferry service across
one of Oregons major rivers. The 140-foot central bascule drawspan is between
two 154-foot concrete through tied (or bowstring) arch spans. Twenty concrete
girder approach spans contribute to a total structure length of 1,568 feet.
The bridge was built by the Mercer-Fraser Company, Eureka. (Photo: Dennis
Wolverton) |
