Carries Automobiles No. of spans 4 NRHP Reference # 76001030 Total length 163 m Body of water Grand River Constructed by Massillon Bridge Company | Crosses Grand River Built 1886 Opened 1886 Area 1,619 m² Construction cost 31,000 USD | |
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Designer Massillon Bridge Company Similar 6th Street Bridge Park, Fish Ladder Park Gra, Ah‑Nab‑Awen Park, Plaster Creek, Belknap Park | ||
The Sixth Street Bridge is a four-span, wrought iron bridge that crosses the Grand River in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It is a Michigan State Historic Site and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1886, it is the longest and oldest metal truss bridge in Michigan.
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History
The Sixth Street Bridge was designed and built in 1886 by the Ohio-based Massillon Bridge Company for $31,000. The westernmost truss was shortened in 1921 when a canal along the river bank was filled in.
The bridge faced demolition in 1975, but was saved through the efforts of concerned citizens. The bridge was designated a Michigan State Historic Site (MSHS) on June 18, 1976. On August 13, 1976, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. An MSHS informational marker was erected on April 6, 1981. The bridge is also listed on MDOT's Historic Bridge Inventory.
In May 2009, the bridge was briefly closed to film scenes of Caught in the Crossfire.
The bridge underwent significant renovation in 2012, funded with a $1.8 million federal grant and $472,000 from the Downtown Development Authority. Prior to renovation, the bridge was known for its "creaky" and "bumpy" ride. Painting and sidewalk work took place in April 2012, leaving the bridge accessible for pedestrians. The bridge briefly reopened on May 12 for the Fifth Third River Bank Run. On May 14, the bridge was closed entirely to replace the existing wood decking and asphalt with steel decking and concrete. The project's expected completion date was in August 2012.
Design
The bridge is 536 feet (163 m) in length, consisting of four parallel cord through Pratt trusses made of wrought iron. The roadway is narrow at 19 feet (5.8 m) wide with two lanes. Along each side is a 6-foot wide (1.8 m) sidewalk with ornamental railings. The piers and abutments are masonry and built of local Grand River limestone. The Sixth Street Bridge is the longest and oldest metal truss bridge in Michigan.