WASHINGTON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Washington County, Utah)
ASH CREEK BRIDGE
Harmony Valley, Utah
LOCATION
The Ash Creek Bridge crosses Ash Creek on old Highway 91 at the south end of the Harmony Valley a little way northwest of Ash Creek Reservoir.
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37° 25' 22.58" North Latitude, 113° 14' 58.77" West Longitude
37.4229° North Latitude, 113.2497° West Longitude
4,731 feet (1,442 meters) MSL
DESCRIPTION
This is a concrete arch bridge measuring 222 feet long and 20 feet wide. It is 48 feet high and the main arch spans 130 feet.HISTORY
The Ash Creek Bridge was built in 1925 at a cost of $40,000. At the time, it was the largest bridge in the state and had the longest single span of any bridge in the intermountain west. It replaced the dangerouse Ash Creek Dugway.On September 11, 1925, starting at 2:00 pm, one of the largest celebrations to that date was held at the site of the new bridge. 1500 people attended the gathering marking the opening of the new road and bridge. There were prayers, songs, and talks followed by refreshments and dancing on the new bridge.
This bridge is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
PHOTOS
August 17, 2011 photo by the Utah Department of Transportation
WCHS photos:
WCHS-03994 Photo of the southwest end of the Ash Creek Bridge in New Harmony, Utah
REFERENCES
Will Celebrate Opening New RoadWashington County News, July 16, 1925, Page 1
Road Opening Celebration
Washington County News, July 30, 1925, Page 1
Fine Program For Road Opening Day
Washington County News, September 3, 1925, Pages 1 and 5
Road Opening Day, Good Time, Friday
Washington County News, September 10, 1925, Page 1
Grand Time Had At The Bridge Opening
Washington County News, September 17, 1925, Page 1
Ash Creek Bridge Open To Traffic
Iron County Record, September 18, 1925, Page 1
Description of the dedication of the Ash Creek Bridge
by Sheldon Grant
Bridgehunter.com entry for the Ash Creek Bridge