The Yale Lock Bridge, also known as the Yale Bridge, is a historic steel bridge located in Yale, Oklahoma, United States. The bridge was constructed in 1924 and spans the Cimarron River, providing a vital transportation link between the towns of Yale and Oilton. The Yale Lock Bridge is a significant example of early 20th-century bridge engineering and has been recognized for its historical and architectural significance.
Design and Construction
The Yale Lock Bridge was designed by the Missouri Valley Bridge and Iron Company and constructed by the Illinois Steel Bridge Company. The bridge features a Parker through truss design, which was a common type of bridge design during the early 20th century. The bridge has a total length of 220 feet and a width of 18 feet, with a vertical clearance of 15 feet above the Cimarron River. The bridge’s structural system consists of a series of interconnected steel beams and girders, which provide the necessary support and stability for the bridge.
Historical Significance
The Yale Lock Bridge has been recognized for its historical significance by the National Register of Historic Places. The bridge was added to the register in 1980, citing its importance as a representative example of early 20th-century bridge design. The bridge has also been recognized by the Oklahoma Historical Society as a historic landmark. The Yale Lock Bridge is one of the few remaining examples of a Parker through truss bridge in Oklahoma, making it a significant part of the state’s engineering heritage.
| Bridge Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length | 220 feet |
| Width | 18 feet |
| Vertical Clearance | 15 feet |
| Structural System | Parker through truss |
| Construction Year | 1924 |
Preservation and Restoration
In recent years, the Yale Lock Bridge has undergone several preservation and restoration efforts. In 2006, the bridge was closed to traffic due to safety concerns, but it was later reopened after a series of repairs and renovations. The bridge’s structural system was inspected and repaired, and the bridge’s steel beams and girders were replaced or refurbished as needed. The bridge’s historic integrity was also preserved through the use of traditional construction techniques and authentic materials.
Challenges and Future Implications
Despite the preservation and restoration efforts, the Yale Lock Bridge still faces several challenges. The bridge’s age and condition make it vulnerable to weathering and deterioration, and the bridge’s structural system requires ongoing maintenance and repairs. Additionally, the bridge’s historic significance makes it a target for vandalism and neglect. To address these challenges, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the Oklahoma Historical Society are working together to develop a long-term preservation plan for the bridge.
What is the historical significance of the Yale Lock Bridge?
+The Yale Lock Bridge is significant because it is a representative example of early 20th-century bridge design and is one of the few remaining examples of a Parker through truss bridge in Oklahoma.
What preservation and restoration efforts have been made to the bridge?
+The bridge has undergone several preservation and restoration efforts, including repairs and renovations to its structural system, and the use of traditional construction techniques and authentic materials to preserve its historic integrity.
What challenges does the Yale Lock Bridge face, and how are they being addressed?
+The bridge faces challenges such as weathering and deterioration, vandalism and neglect, and requires ongoing maintenance and repairs. To address these challenges, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the Oklahoma Historical Society are working together to develop a long-term preservation plan for the bridge.
