Holyoke Bridge, Spanning Connecticut River, between Holyoke & South Hadley Falls, Holyoke, Hampden County, MA

Significance: The Holyoke Bridge is significant as one of Massachusetts' few known examples of the riveted lattice truss bridge, a type most commonly associated with railroad construction in the latter half of the 19th century. It is also noteworthy because its ten through-truss spans constitute the most such spans identified in any metal truss bridge in Massachusetts to date. The Holyoke Bridge was built in 1889-90 on enlarged and remodeled piers remaining from the first bridge at this site, a 10-span wood and iron Post truss structure built in 1871. Erection of the second bridge served to continue the economic relationship between South Hadley Falls and its much larger neighbor, the mill city of Holyoke. The bridge's heavy construction was the direct result of local demands for a "first class structure" modeled on railroad, rather than highway, designs. Drawings and specifications were developed by Edward S. Shaw, a civil engineer who practiced for many years in Boston. The superstructure was fabricated and erected by New Jersey Steel & Iron of Trenton, New Jersey.

Survey number: HAER MA-18

Building/structure dates: 1890 Initial Construction

Building/structure dates: 1955 Subsequent Work

Building/structure dates: 1973 Subsequent Work

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1969 - 1980

Library of Congress

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