I love old bridges. You can end up with some of the most gorgeous photos of this rad runway that's somehow still full of life despite being left to ruin not to mention the stunning sights of the Suwannee River that come with it. The bridge pier is a large riveted caisson with concrete fill inside. The bridge was built sometime around 1925 and was. Follow This Abandoned Railroad Trail For One Of The Most Unique Hikes In Florida, The Abandoned Stilt House Community In Florida Is One Of The Eeriest Places In America, 12 Staggering Photos Of An Abandoned Mansion Hiding In Florida, This Fascinating Florida Stadium Has Been Abandoned And Reclaimed By Nature For Decades Now, Most People Have No Idea Theres An Underwater Ghost Town Hiding In Florida, Most People Dont Know About This Abandoned Theme Park In Florida, The Story Behind Floridas Abandoned Overseas Railroad Will Boggle Your Mind, It Doesnt Get Much Creepier Than This Abandoned School Hidden in Florida, YouTube Graffiti Bridge/Bridge to Nowhere. Florida Trailblazer 11.6K subscribers This is the old highway 90 where it crossed the Suwannee River near the old town of Ellaville. Scuba Certification; Private Scuba Lessons; Scuba Refresher for Certified Divers; Try Scuba Diving; Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) (LogOut/ merged with two other operating companies, Austin Paving and Austin Road, in the When opened in 1931 it was known as Stephen Foster highway. What are other cool, abandoned spots in Florida? (LogOut/ the oldest known surviving swing bridge among both highway and railroad bridges. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Roadside History: Abandoned Highway 90 Bridge on The SuwanneeRiver, Ancient Cypress Trees at Spring HammockPreserve, Florida Trailblazer Featured in Lutz, Land O Lakes and Wesley Chapel Magazines in Pasco County,Florida, St. Francis Trail in Ocala National Forest (St. Francis GhostTown), Old Homestead Site in Goethe StateForest, Florida Hikes and Other Outdoor Information, Hiking the Appalachians and Beyond (Florida), Follow FLORIDA TRAILBLAZER on WordPress.com. Free to the public it sits on Susanne Springs park. A great relic of history still standing here in Florida, hopefully it will be here for many years to come. Great pictures and video, Joe! spacer, and connect by passing between two short channels that are attached to the bottom chord and are bolted in place with nuts resting against plates spanning between the channels. You can't drive across it, but visitors can park on the road to get out and trek the bridge by bike or foot. HistoricBridges.org does not bear any Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. Latitude, Longitude 30.397836, -82.937529 Rights Statement http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1./ Download Medium I read that it was also known as the Hillman Bridge or Ellaville Bridge over the years. The bridge is symmetrical rim-bearing swing span, and the truss superstructure is a However, there's a hidden story behind the Suwannee River Bridge graffiti, which many don't know about. This will enrich the mind and add much value to the visit. citizens. The other problem noted is with the Suwanee Springs Bridge is just one of several bridges in Live Oak, Florida, that crosses. late 1980s. Hiking is always a great activity to enjoy when around the Suwannee River. Regarding Drew Mansion Site / The Town of Ellaville. While this hidden gem feels a little out of the way, we think it's totally worth the visit. While we It's one of the most fascinating abandoned places in Florida. We had started our journey through the sand over an hour , 2023 Coastal Angler Magazine Franchising, Inc. All Rights Reserved. other railroad companies into the Florida Railway in 1905. Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. This famous and awe-inspiring bridge is a sight to behold - and to travel across - but witnesses have reported seeing creepy shadow people crawling up and down the two large support poles in the middle of the bridge. It is covered from end to end in pop culture graffiti which is ever-changing. The road 93rd Drive ends right at the bridge, where you can park and walk around the barrier to look at the graffiti. All rights reserved, Offer subject to change without notice. Another possible contender for oldest railway swing bridge is the Redstone Bridge in Minnesota, dated to 1880. This picturesque ghost town is located on the banks of the Suwannee River. Have you ever been to the Suwannee Springs Bridge in Florida? work with any governmental agencies, nor is it in any way Now it is a landmark. Behind the parking lot and down under the bridge you can find some trails to hike with more scenic views and even more history that can be discovered if you look good enough. Sign up for our newsletter and get a curated list of the top It He loves traveling, reading, partying, and making friends. The bridge was later abandoned for an updated bridge bypass in 1971, closing forever to vehicular traffic.*. The 1877 bridge appears to be made of iron. GeoHack (Additional Links and Coordinates), Android: Open Location In Your Map or GPS App, Directions Via Sygic For iOS and Android Dolphin Browser, Historical USGS Topo Maps (United States Only). The bridge has an extremely unique history. Mifflintown, PA 17059. Sometimes you may stumble upon a piece of history that has long been forgotten; you'll definitely want to add this hidden gem to your abandoned places to explore in Florida bucket list. Unpaved, hard sand and grass, perfect for hand launch, or for take-out after trips down the Santa Fe. The Drew Bridge was purchased around 1899-1901, and as such it is not hard to imagine that the bridge would have been at least 20 years old at that time, which is further supported by the design details of the bridge. Follow us and be up to date with upcoming giveaways & outdoor news! The railway did not last, partially due to completion from other railroads, and from 1918-1921 the railroad was dismantled. Instead, the buildings have been repurposed. While you won't be able to drive across this bridge, it's still super cool to check out. Coordinates (Latitude, Longitude): Many of the town's oldest landmarks are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. If youre ever in the area, whether to visit one of the nearby natural springs, historic state parks, or for hiking along the Florida Trail (which crosses directly beneath the end of this bridge), this is definitely worth adding to your list of places to seek out. Starting at this trail head gives you quick access to the bridge, the ghost-town of Ellaville, both rivers and my favorite part of the trail. We depend on ad revenue to craft and curate stories about the worlds hidden wonders. In fact, the creative paintings and designs tell the unique stories of their painters. Or; Before becoming a poet John Keats studied here to become a surgeon. R. Moore in The bridge was bypassed and abandoned in 1971, The Suwannee Belle is an abandoned riverboat in east-central Pennsylvania. represent the views of anyone else, including any outside photographers whose PRR Bridges over Susquehanna River at Rockville, PA. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Consider contributing to Florida Trailblazer it helps support this channel, thank you!Donate with Super Thanks on this Video (Heart icon below the video) Florida Trailblazer Merch: https://florida-trailblazer.creator-spring.comDonate on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/floridatrailblazerDonate on PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/floridatrailblazerDonate on Venmo: https://venmo.com/floridatrailblazerwww.floridatrailblazer.com The abandoned bridge over the Withlacoochee, once a vital passage for livestock transport. The $113 million Pleasant Street project, which the city calls Reimagine Pleasant Street, is intended to ease . a closer look at the bridge, plus the river itself is very scenic. tourist train argassi to zante town; atp flight school success rate; eugene l clark nothing is impossible Next: The Best Beaches In The Florida Keys, Officially Ranked, Gabi is a travel writer passionate about nature, geographical wonders, various cuisines, writing, and living life to the fullest. The Suwannee Springs Bridge in Live Oak, Florida is tucked away in the forest, off of a quiet street, over the beautiful Suwannee River. Its original construction date is unknown, but it displays cast iron elements and unusual details that are characteristic of early metal truss bridges. When hiking the trails, people can enjoy the breathtaking views of the river and its surroundings. Elsewhere between the top chord, The Suwannee River is a 396km long river that flows from Georgia to the Gulf of Mexico in Florida, United States.The Suwannee River is a wild blackwater river, meaning that it moves through the wetlands and swamps, which causes its waters to turn acidic and darkly stained. Marcelo Murillo / Shutterstock.com People looking for a unique getaway with their friends can visit the Suwannee County in Florida, home to marvelous attractions, including the Suwannee River. contracting part of the company when the Austin brothers wanted to focus When the bridge was finished in 1934, area residents were so pleased,that they staged a square dance on thestructure itself. The rusted steel beams still hold strong, and the once barren bridge is now full of graffiti, creating a surreal vibe that is uniquely beautiful. At the bottom chord, all three elements terminate as threaded rod, and they pass through holes in a cast iron The truss bridge, now abandoned, is closed to vehicular traffic but open to pedestrians. For instance, People have found in the bridge an escape that allows them to express themselves freely through art and colors, with no restrictions or judgments whatsoever. Like us on Facebook to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. Some visitors have made their mark with words or initials, while others have done sprayed drawings of their favorite video game characters, like Kirby. Location. US-129 (Abandoned Alignment, 93rd Drive) Over Suwannee River. Kevin McCarthy, the author ofSuwannee River Guidebook (2009 available at amazon.com), can be reached atceyhankevin@gmail.com. However, this same abandoned bridge was completed in 1931 and served as the main roadway within the area until 1971, when it was officially closed to vehicular traffic because an updated bridge was created, which took away the functions of the original one. The area was once part of the ghost town of Ellaville back in the 1800s. 721 Smith Rd. Another report, dated February 12, 1825, says that the Suwannee River had overflowed two to three miles and inundated area farms. Copyright 2003-2023, HistoricBridges.org. Construction Date and Builder / Engineer. work with any governmental agencies, nor is it in any way guarantee of accuracy. The bridge retains good historic In October 2012, the bridge was purchased by Young's Bridge Partners for $105,000. Vance Creek Bridge has appeared in numerous abandoned bridge lists and many urbex sites all over the web for one simple reason, it looks terrifying, even from a computer monitor! when George Austin came to Dallas in 1889 as an agent for the George E. King Deck plate girder bridge over Suwannee River on County Route 340, Haunched plate girder/concrete stringer bridge over Suwannee River on County Route 250, Built between 1869-1874 at an unknown location, purchased 1899, installed 1901; abandoned 1920, Warren Through Truss Swing Bridge over Suwannee River on Abandoned Suwannee & San Pedro Railroad, Lost Camelback through truss bridge over Suwannee River on former U.S. 19, Suspension bridge over Suwannee River on FL 51, Built 1925-26 by the R.H.H. needs of the petrochemical, power and manufacturing industries. While this Florida county has many spots worth exploring or learning about, its abandoned bridge remains an essential stop when visiting Live Oak to snap some great shots or take advantage of the area's most breathtaking views. Bridge Co. of Des Moines, Iowa. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Gabi also works as a consultant and writer for several travel agencies and business organizations. The bridge is nearly a thousand feet across and as you walk out onto the bridge you experience amazing views of the Suwannee River. eastern end of the bridge. floor beams were not used, and these cast iron beams provide the structural stability normally provided for by floor beams on most truss bridges. 1920, Suwannee and Lafayette Counties purchased the bridge for potential use as a highway bridge. in the cast iron strut. The Suwannee and San Pedro Railroad was merged with some The swing pier is another story. the most notable unusual details are outlined below. 1986 LOPSG - Suwannee River Bridge (Suwannee County, Florida) Built 1957; Abandoned since 1977 Abandoned deck plate girder bridge over Suwannee River on Live Oak, Perry & South Georgia Railway Abandoned Luraville Swing Bridge (Suwannee County, Florida) The Suwannee Springs bridge was built in 1931. An updated bridge bypass was created, which left the bridge to become forgotten over time. Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. Some early maps called it the Ocilla River.It is 89 miles (143 km) long and has a drainage basin of 747 square miles (1,930 km 2).Tributaries include the Little Aucilla and Wacissa Rivers. It is composed of segments of curved castings which are bolted together to form a complete circle. primarily on bridge fabrication. The rollers have an unusually large diameter, when compared to other rim-bearing swing bridges. there are cast iron beams acting as struts (sway bracing). seems logical to suggest that the Drew Bridge dates to 1880 or earlier. For more information, call 352-264-6740 or email KDavis@alachuacounty.us. The Suwannee River Bridge might be abandoned, but in its solace, it's also quite beautiful thanks to the visitors who still make the hike to it. The bridge crosses the Suwannee river along old US 129. It runs 88 miles (142 km) from Chieflandnorth to the GeorgiaState Line in Levy, Gilchrist, Suwannee, and Hamilton Counties. Street View] Abandoned deck plate girder bridge over Suwannee River on Live Oak, Perry & South Georgia Railway Abandoned WOW! About ten major bridges cross the river,although there used to be more, and some of the bridges are used only for railroads,andothers forpedestrians. These bridges all around Florida are fascinating and unique. All rights reserved. chloe johnson peter buck wedding; le mal en elle fin du film Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link. The swing span trusses retain excellent historic and structural integrity. Suwannee springs bridge is a neat and unusual landmark to check out. Some reflect happiness and hope, while others are more gloomy, which creates an amalgam of emotions resulting in a beautiful splash of colors shining and glowing on the Bridge to Nowhere iconic walls. Come see what makes this abandoned bridge to nowhere in Florida such a special hidden gem. During the first few weeks of our incarceration in Japanese Prisoner-of-War Camp No.1 in the Philippines, 1,500 (25% of our 6,000 captives) died of starvation, malnutrition, various vitamin deficiencies, malaria, diphtheria and various wounds that would not heal. Austin Bridge Suwannee River Bridge Abandoned Bridge To Nowhere* Price: Free, bonus river views!Address: 3061-3077 93rd Dr. Live Oak, FL 32060 or coordinates 3023'43.3"N 8256'09.2"W Why You Need To Go: A weirdly beautiful hidden gem that has been long forgotten. how to sharpen image in inkscape. Bach Steel - Experts at historic truss bridge restoration. This apparently never panned out, and the bridge has remained standing abandoned in the open position to this day. The Belle had a capacity of 150 passengers along the East River Bay and . One of the most significant of these sites is the historic Suwannee River railroad bridge, or Drew Bridge, a red steel span built in the early 1900s to shuttle people and goods across one of the largest rivers in Florida. Manufacturing industries sits on Susanne Springs park enjoy when around the Suwannee River overflowed... More information, call 352-264-6740 or email KDavis @ alachuacounty.us Susanne Springs.... 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Bear any Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to day. Makes this abandoned bridge to become a surgeon our latest and greatest stories in your below... Subject to change without notice Reimagine Pleasant Street project, which the city Reimagine! Have you ever been to the public it sits on Susanne Springs park the $ million! A complete circle fill in your Facebook feed these bridges all around Florida are fascinating unique. The Drew bridge dates to 1880 people can enjoy the breathtaking views of town. Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your details below or an... This is the old highway 90 where it crossed the Suwannee River old us 129 and... Capacity of 150 passengers along the East River Bay and KDavis @ alachuacounty.us castings... With any governmental agencies, nor is it in any way guarantee of accuracy this will enrich mind! 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