Bridges
Yankee Jims Bridge: A Walk Through Placer County History
At first glance, Yankee Jims Bridge looks like a quiet backcountry crossing suspended above the North Fork American River. But this narrow bridge in Placer County stands on a route with roots deep in California’s Gold Rush era, when the nearby mining camp of Yankee Jim’s helped turn the surrounding canyon into an important...
The Bridgeport Covered Bridge: a National Landmark spanning the South Yuba River
The Bridgeport Covered Bridge has become a cherished landmark within Nevada County, California. It’s also recognized as a National Historic Landmark due to its remarkable condition, rare type of bridge, age and usefulness during California’s Gold Rush days. Founding of Bridgeport The location of Bridgeport was first established as a...
Donner Summit Bridge: California’s historical Rainbow Bridge
The Donner Summit Bridge is a concrete arch style bridge originally designed to provide a safe passage through the Donner Pass area along Old Highway 40. Prior to this bridge, residents and visitors took the train or had to travel along the old Lincoln Highway which was a much more difficult route due to its …...
A look at both the old and the new Iowa Hill Bridges
The older bridge, which was built in 1928, was no longer safe or suitable for modern transportation needs. However, instead of tearing down and replacing the older bridge, the county decided to leave it standing for all to enjoy. This presented a unique scenario of two bridges sharing the same name and location. Directions …...
Mosquito Ridge Rd. Bridge also known as North Fork Bridge or “Circle Bridge”
My journey along Mosquito Ridge Rd. surprisingly brought me to this uniquely built bridge. Initially, I was heading eastbound on Mosquito Ridge Rd. from the town of Foresthill to Big Trees Grove and then French Meadow Reservoir. The road was very winding with many switchbacks through the Foresthill Divide. And if you get held up by...
Foresthill Bridge: soaring over the American River
Construction was completed in 1973 with the purpose of spanning the planned Auburn Lake. Unfortunately, the Auburn Dam was never built and the lake (reservoir) never came to fruition. However, the bridge still spans the North Fork American River near the Confluence where the North Fork meets with the Middle Fork. The Foresthill bridge...
Mountain Quarries Bridge aka “No Hands Bridge”
The Mountain Quarries Bridge, aka “No Hands Bridge,” was originally constructed in 1912 for the Mountain Quarries Railroad, owned by the Pacific Portland Cement Company. It was reportedly the first concrete bridge of its kind in all of North America and it was designed by John B. Leonard. Leonard was an advocate of concrete...
