Our Suspension Bridges

History

When I moved to the family farm a few years ago, the bridge then standing was in its third incarnation that I can remember. After years of non-use and neglect, (the farm had stood empty) it was in sad shape.

For several years, we patched the bridge, replacing rotten boards and broken wires, but eventually, decided a complete overhaul was in order (a flood in May of 1996 knocked the bridge down). We kept the towers and main span of cable, but replaced the sections of cable going to the "deadmans" (anchors), the steps, and the entire decking.

I made two upgrades to the design of the bridge during re-construction. One was replacing the wooden steps (that had replaced wooden ramps a few years earlier) with steel steps acquired from a salvage yard. The main problem with wood is rotting, and the end near the ground of the current steps was nearly rotten away even though the steps were only a few years old.

The second change was to try to build a flat deck, instead of following the slope of the cables. Why that change? Well, for six months out of each year, the bridge is the only access we have to the property. Winter and spring the water in the creek is too high to ford and washes out the crossing any way. So, we are forced to use the bridge in the "slippery" season. Imagine a long wooden walkway, slick with snow, ice, or even just rain.
Now imagine the walkway high on both ends and sagging down in the middle. Sure, sometimes that was fun. Step on the bridge and just stand there until you stop sliding some where about half way across. But, getting up the other end to complete the journey could be a real trick! Now imagine trying to carry groceries while enjoying this adventurous crossing. The amusement factor drops real low at such times.

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