What's a Metal Truss Bridge?

Westerville Truss

A turn of the century (19th) steel truss bridge. A metal truss is generally a triangular framework designed to have greater strength than a simple beam of similar weight. There are many truss designs. The one in the photo is a Pratt double intersect through truss or Whipple truss. The narrow components are under tension, that is, being stretched. The thicker components are generally being compressed by the load forces.

This bridge is located in Westerville Ohio on a bikeway. It was recently moved from its original location and rehabilitated . It is the last metal truss bridge in the county. A number of these old bridges are receiving a second life on bike or pedestrian paths.