Spanning Washington: Historic Highway Bridges Of The Evergreen State
Editorial Reviews
Book Description
Designed first and foremost to be practical, bridges nevertheless are often breathtaking in their construction, combining function and aesthetics. The historic spans of the Evergreen State's highways are no exception. These technological wonders are extraordinary by any measure, yet their stories have remained largely unknown.
Conceived by visionary engineers and built by anonymous skilled workmen, Washington's highway bridges are amazing triumphs of design and play a significant role in the state's history. Several, at the time of their completion, attracted worldwide attention and the praise of professional engineers, influencing the course of bridge construction.
In their quest to compile the first comprehensive history of the state's highway bridges, the authors exhaustively researched the extensive records of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), collecting definitive documentation and photographs from across the state. This magnificent book, including more than 200 illustrations, represents the culmination of years of study by many individuals associated with WSDOT and the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (Olympia).
From the Publisher
The first bridges in the state were built by settlers or the U.S. Army using the most plentiful material available-wood. As automobiles replaced horses and wagons, public pressure mounted for funding a more aggressive highway program. In 1910 some 9,300 Washingtonians owned cars. A mere ten years later, more than 186,000 automobiles cruised the roadways. Cars were part of everyday life and here to stay. In time, rutted wagon roads and rough-hewn log bridges gave way to maintained roadways and timber-beam spans. Bridge construction evolved, and steel or concrete arches, beams, and slabs replaced timber. Although fewer and fewer historic bridges remain in use, they help remind us of who we are and where we came from. Yet until now, their stories-some of triumph and determination, others of failure and loss-have remained largely unknown, even to the Washington residents and travelers who use them regularly. "Spanning Washington" satisfies readers' curiousity about these functional landmarks.
Spanning Washington: Historic Highway Bridges Of The Evergreen State
Spanning Washington: Historic Highway Bridges Of The Evergreen State,Richard Hobbs,Craig E. Holstine,Washington State University,0874222818,Architecture,Bridges,Engineering - Civil,History,Interior Design - General,Technology & Industrial Arts,Washington (State)
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