Downtown in Columbus in Franklin County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Broad Street Bridge
The Historic National Road in Ohio
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, July 5, 2016
1. Broad Street Bridge Marker
Inscription.
Broad Street Bridge. The Historic National Road in Ohio. The Broad Street bridge is a significant part of the history of Columbus and the National Road. Until 1816, the only ways to cross the Scioto River were to ford the river during low water or to use the ferry. From 1816 to 1834 a series of wooden toll bridges were built to span the river. In 1834, the National Road Bridge was constructed. This covered bridge was free of any tolls and remained in service until replaced by an iron truss bridge in 1883. The flood of 1913 heavily damaged that bridge.
In conjunction with the 1908 Master Plan for redevelopment of the city, a new bridge would be built to withstand future floods. Design and construction of the bridge started during World War I, The Federal government promoted the use of concrete instead of structural steel in local civic projects, since steel was needed for the war effort. Built in a Renaissance Revival style with seven arch spans, the bridge could carry four lanes of automobile traffic and two trolley lines. Despite three floods during construction, the cost of the bridge actually came in under the original estimates.
Completed in 1921, the bridge was named in honor of veterans of World War I. In 1927, a plaque commemorating the National Road was placed on the bridge.
In 1990, the seven span, earth filled, barrel-vaulted bridge was removed, and work began on the present five span plate-arch structure.
Original commemorative plaques and a section of the limestone balustrade railing from the 1921 structure are located in a memorial park at the west end of the bridge.
The Broad Street bridge is a significant part of the history of Columbus and the National Road. Until 1816, the only ways to cross the Scioto River were to ford the river during low water or to use the ferry. From 1816 to 1834 a series of wooden toll bridges were built to span the river. In 1834, the National Road Bridge was constructed. This covered bridge was free of any tolls and remained in service until replaced by an iron truss bridge in 1883. The flood of 1913 heavily damaged that bridge.
In conjunction with the 1908 Master Plan for redevelopment of the city, a new bridge would be built to withstand future floods. Design and construction of the bridge started during World War I, The Federal government promoted the use of concrete instead of structural steel in local civic projects, since steel was needed for the war effort. Built in a Renaissance Revival style with seven arch spans, the bridge could carry four lanes of automobile traffic and two trolley lines. Despite three floods during construction, the cost of the bridge actually came in under the original estimates.
Completed in 1921, the bridge was named in honor of veterans of World War I. In 1927, a plaque commemorating the National Road was placed on the bridge.
In 1990, the seven span, earth filled, barrel-vaulted bridge was removed, and work began on the
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present five span plate-arch structure.
Original commemorative plaques and a section of the limestone balustrade railing from the 1921 structure are located in a memorial park at the west end of the bridge.
Erected 2013 by The Hadler and Peppe Families, Dean C. Ringle, P.E,, P.S., Franklin County Engineer.
Location. 39° 57.682′ N, 83° 0.374′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Ohio, in Franklin County. It is in Downtown. Marker is at the intersection of West Broad Street Old National Road (U.S. 40) and Washington Blvd, on the right when traveling east on West Broad Street Old National Road. Marker is at the west end of the bridge, on the south side, at the entrance to Genoa Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 303 W Broad Street, Columbus OH 43215, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Photo on marker of memorialized bridge under construction
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, July 5, 2016
4. Broad Street Bridge
The old National Road covered bridge
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, July 5, 2016
5. Broad Street Bridge
The present bridge
Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 1, 2016, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 485 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 1, 2016, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
