Historic Gratz Bridge

Historic Gratz Bridge. . , Highway 22/Gratz Bridge , The Department of Highways built the Highway 22/Gratz Bridge during a time of major road improvements in Kentucky. Automobiles unit trucks were becoming increasingly common and the public demanded better roads. By the end of the 1920s, the Department of Highways employed some 180000 people and accounted for almost half of the state's budget., The Department of Highways opened bids for bridges across all of the state's major rivers, including the Kentucky River. The Gratz Bridge connecting Owen and Henry Counties opened in 1931., The Department of Highways built the Gratz Bridge in 1931. It was significant for its design, which incorporated elements of two 19th century bridge types. Plans to replace the historic Gratz Bridge were finalized in 2008., Designed for Strength , The Grate Bridge was comprised of two Warren tries bridges affixed to either end of a centrally located Parker Camelback truss bridge Developed in the 19th century, both. bridge types were known for their stability, strength and ability to span long distances., This combination of bridge types allowed the Gratz Bridge to safely span the full width of the Kentucky River., A significant example of a metal truss highway bridge, the Gratz Bridge was declared eligible for the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.