Survey of Metal Truss Bridges in Virginia

About the report:

Bridges are among the cultural resources that must be considered for historical significance under the Historic Preservation Act of 1966. The Virginia Transportation Research Council conducted a pioneering study of Virginia's pre-1932 metal truss bridges during the 1970s, but no comprehensive study of later bridges was undertaken. This study rectifies the lack of information on post- 1932 metal truss bridges and establishes an historical context for all of Virginia's metal truss bridges. The project consisted of a field survey, documentary research into truss bridge types, data tabulation, and comparison of the resulting information on truss bridge chronology and technology from the mid-19th century to the present. The data were evaluated for historical significance by the Historic Structure Task Group (an interdisciplinary historic transportation study committee) and the State Historic Preservation Officer. Of 245 extant metal truss bridges under VDOT ownership, 32 were found eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. This project identified Virginia's significant metal truss bridges and cleared the remainder for necessary maintenance and upgrade.

Authors