The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-01-19
WOODEN BRIDGE UNSAFE
BOARD OF Public WORKS CLOSES
1T TO TRAFFIC..
This Action Taken Upon Recommends
alton of City Engineer Nelson
Other Municipal Affairs.

The old wooden bridge across White river
north of Washington street, which had
been bearing the burden of traffic 10 West
Indianapolis since the fall OF the dfIapi-
dated iron bridge, was yesterday closed to
traffic. The order was issued by the Board
of Public Works after City Engineer Mel
son had spent the greater part of the day
examining the old structure. Traffic across
the bridge will be forbidden for an indef-
mite unexpectedly, it is stated. until the
new bridge is completed.
AT the first conference of the Board of
Works, the mayor and the engineer it was
thought that the wooden bridge would be
safe enough for wagons and foot passen-
gers, and with care and proper vigilance on
the part of the patrOlmen stationed at
either end so that wagons would not be-
come punched" might be used until the
new bridge is finished. The engineer stated
il the meeting that he was not absolutely
sure OF the condition of the bridge, and
yesterday he decided to make an examina-
ton.
The abutments, the floors, the supports
and every part of the ancient structure was
examined. The engineer discovered no
weak places that looked particularly dan
-~ N4C o[AANA3A CDAA4AAADn VI AAC
bridge, he states. is shaky. In view of the
fact that it is best TO take absolutely nc
chances he decided TO order the bridge
closed indefinitely. There must be no risk
run with the wooden bridge that was taken
WIN the ruined iron bridge, he states, and
although the public may protest at the in
convenience of going several squares out OF
its way To get across the river. il is better
70 receive kicks than more serious com
municatiOns.
USED NO CARE.
Mr.. Nelson's report to the board on the
condition of the bridge was influenced
largely by some of the things he saw while
underneath il examining the abutments
He states that drivers Of a number Of
wagons exercised no care or judgment il
driving across it. After they had got by
the policeman at one end they would whiI
up their horses and go across at such
pace that the whole bridge would shake
There should have been no temporizins
with those fellows. he said. The shouIC
have been arrested on the spot. His Obser
FauOns led him TO believe that the sentinel.
We're pOwcrless to compel wagons to pro
coed at the proper pace and that there wa
only one way TO avert the danger.
II Is probable that the old bridge will b.
strengthened as soon as the enginee car
make the necessary examination with tina
Idea IN view. He said Yesterday that re
pairs had not been considered, but nigh
De found necessary. AS ii is, traffic mus
get across the river by means of the Michi
gan street bridge or else by the old Ken
lucky avenue bridge. There is a prObabil
lty also that the Indianapolis Street Rail
way Company will be ordered to cOnStruc
a lev for foot passengers on the tenn
pOrary trestle work they will erect at one,
for the use OF their cars. At the conference
Thursday evening it was at first decided L
reqUir the walk, but, believing the oil
bridge would carry the traffic, the city of
hcials did not insist upon the idewalk be
ing built.