Fort Towson

The South Union Street–Boardman River Bridge, also known as the Trunk Line Bridge, is a bridge located on South Union Street over the Boardman River in Traverse City, Michigan. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000.^[1]

Description

The South Union Street–Boardman River Bridge is 75 feet (23 m) and 40 feet (12 m) wide with a 73-foot (22 m) span over the Boardman River.^[2] A park with footpath runs underneath the bridge, and a dam and the attractive American Legion Memorial Bridge can be seen on each side of the bridge. Stairs lead down along the bridge to the river park beneath.^[2] The bridge is lined with a concrete balustrade railing with square spindles, and concrete parapets are at each end.^[2]

History

In 1929, Traverse City undertook planning to replace the dangerous bridges crossing the Boardman River at Cass and Union Streets.^[2] However, the state of Michigan took responsibility for the Union Street Bridge, which then carried US 31.^[2] The state surveyed the existing bridge in late 1929, and sent plans for a new structure to the city in July 1930.^[2] Bids for the bridge were solicited, and in early 1931 Jackson contractor L. W. Lamb won the contract for $66,482.^[2] Additional expenditures brought the total price to almost $78,000.^[2] The bridge was completed in 1931, and was praised as an aesthetic success, fitting into its park surroundings and making an attractive gateway for the region's tourists.^[2]

Extensive renovation of the bridge is planned in 2023, including replacement of existing concrete deck and steel beams and the installation of a decorative pedestrian railing.^[3]