The Belle Isle Bridge, also known as the Douglas MacArthur Bridge, is a historic and significant structure spanning the Detroit River in Detroit, Michigan. It is the sole connection for vehicles and pedestrians to Belle Isle, Detroit’s renowned public park. This 2,100-foot-long open-spandrel concrete arch bridge provides access to the island, which offers recreational activities and scenic views.
The original bridge, completed in 1889, featured pin-connected through truss spans, including a swing span. Unfortunately, disaster struck in 1915 when a fire ignited on the roadway surface due to creosote blocks and oil from passing vehicles. The bridge collapsed. A temporary wooden bridge, incorporating salvaged pony trusses and a new double-leaf deck girder bascule main span, was erected in 1916. Finally, the current Belle Isle Bridge—a cantilevered concrete arch—was completed in 1923.
The Belle Isle Bridge was rehabilitated in 1984-85 and again in 1998.
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