Asylum Bridge

I am not certain when the technology for this style originated initially. This particular bridge was built in 1905 however. I agree, it is a very interesting, and rare style of bridge. Thankfully it has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. I would like to see it restored however. Most of the bridge, including much of the truss was submerged in a major flood in 2007. Thankfully, it survived.

The Plaque looks like it says "1805", rather than 1905. Is that possible? Did they even have this technology in 1805?

I would vote this bridge the one of the most interesting bridges on this web site. Definitely in the top 5. I sure hope somebody jumps on this beautiful example and preserves it.

It's funny you mention this, because on more than one occasion my wife has threatened to have me committed. I have a unique ability to turn just about any trip into a bridge hunt.......drives her crazy! HUH

LOL J.R Manning. I guess with our hobby, any bridge could be the Asylum Bridge. The State of Kansas has a mental health facility near the north end of the bridge. When the bridge was open, it could be used to access the site.

I love this, if for no other reason than all the names for the bridge, the location and the waterway! Anyone know why it's called the Asylum Bridge? (Besides the fact that most of us bridge hunters are headed there?)

The center span of this bridge is actually a Parker Truss with the top chords inverted so they "dip" towards the center of the span, hence the term Reverse Parker. This is easier seen in a side view of the bridge. This bridge is believed to be the only Reverse Parker Truss in existence.

Looks like a small cantilever bridge to me, ie a continuous through truss. Stylistically similar to the Thamesville Bridge in Ontario. I am not familiar with the term "reverse parker" unless this was an early term to describe cantilever technology.

This is a Reverse Parker through truss. This may possibly be the only example of Reverse Parker in existance.