Orting in Pierce County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
McMillin Bridge
Puyallup River • 1934 • Washington
Photographed By Lee C, October 31, 2019
1. McMillin Bridge Marker
Click on the photo to read information on Homer M. Hadley and to view photos seen on the marker.
A testament to the durability of concrete bridges.
The McMillin Bridge is the only structure of its kind in the world. This through truss bridge, which is designed for longer spans and heavier loads, has a truly unique configuration. The steel-reinforced concrete trusses were designed to eliminate the need for overhead lateral braces while accommodating sidewalks that pass through portals in the trusses.
When completed in the fall of 1935, the 170-foot-long bridge was hailed as the longest reinforced concrete span in the United States (exclusive of arches).
In 2015, the bridge was bypassed by a new highway bridge. The concrete truss was left standing as a monument to Washington State's transportation and engineering heritage.
The McMillin Bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Washington Heritage Register and Pierce County Register of Historic Places.
Erected by Pierce County Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Bridges & Viaducts. A significant historical year for this entry is 1935.
Location. 47° 7.785′ N, 122° 14.136′ W. Marker is in Orting, Washington, in Pierce County. Marker is on State Route 162 (Washington
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. South Hill Heritage Corridor (approx. 4.8 miles away); Old Oregon Trail (approx. 5 miles away); Historical Roadway Marker (approx. 5.6 miles away); Wilkeson Eagles Building 100th Anniversary (approx. 9.1 miles away); The Historical Carbonado Saloon (approx. 9.2 miles away); Crow with Fries (approx. 11.7 miles away); Auburn Carnegie Library (approx. 12˝ miles away); Murray Morgan Bridge Rehabilitation (approx. 12.7 miles away).
Regarding McMillin Bridge. Marker includes biographical information on Homer More Hadley, designer of the McMillin Bridge.
Also see . . . McMillin Bridge, Spanning Puyallup River at State Route 162, McMillin, Pierce County, WA. Library of Congress entry:
Notes and additional photos of the bridge (Submitted on October 31, 2019, by Lee C of Orting, Washington.)
Photographed By Lee C, October 31, 2019
2. McMillin Bridge
Photographed By Lee C, October 5, 2020
3. McMillin Bridge
Photographed By Lee C, October 5, 2020
4. McMillin Bridge
Credits. This page was last revised on April 15, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 31, 2019, by Lee C of Orting, Washington. This page has been viewed 384 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 31, 2019, by Lee C of Orting, Washington. 3, 4. submitted on October 5, 2020, by Lee C of Orting, Washington. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
