HISTORIC BRIDGES

Bridges built from the late 1800's to the mid 1950's and 60's implemented unique structural systems and elements, owing to the limited availibility of structural steel of a consistent quality. With this aspect, trusses were a most efficient way of covering large spans. This lead to bridges which were both efficient and visually appealing. Half a century or more later, a lot of these bridges have been bypassed or replaced with beam bridges due to fatigue and other structural considerations. 

However, these bridges be rehabilitated and used as pedestrian bridges as pedestrian loading, while having its own intricacies, is not as severe as vehicular loading. Ishan Gopalka, PE, of IG & Associates as been involved in the rehabilitation of multiple Historic Bridges and their load rating. 

One of his most notable projects was the rehabilitation of East LaPorte Street Footbridge that carries East LaPorte Street over the Yellow River in the Town of Plymouth, Indiana. 

Another significant project was the Cardinal Greenway Trail Truss rehabilitation project in Muncie, Indiana. This project consisted of rehabilitating an existing railroad bridge, previously owned by the Chesapeak & Ohio railroad, for use as a pedestrian trail.