Y-Bridge photograph   Save
Works Progress Administration, Ohio Guide Photographs
Description: This image of the Y-Bridge in Zanesville, Ohio, shows a view of the bridge's Y-junction looking toward the northeast and the Muskingum River. The Y-Bridge is located at the confluence of the Muskingum and Licking rivers, connecting Zanesville with Natchez and West Zanesville. Here the historic National Road (Cumberland Road) crossed the confluence of the Licking and Muskingum Rivers. The first Y-Bridge was opened to the public in 1814 but collapsed into the river in 1818. A second, stronger bridge (1819-1832) was built on the same site, but it was condemned thirteen years later when twelve-inch-thick ice in the river weakened the superstructure. The third Y bridge (1832-1900) stood until 1900. On January 4, 1902, the fourth Y bridge (1902-1979) was opened for foot passengers. Ten days later, streetcars and wagons began to cross the bridge. In 1979, the fourth Y bridge was judged unsafe. A fifth bridge opened on November 9, 1984. The Y-Bridge is on the National Register of Historic Places. This image of the Y-Bridge was among the photographs produced by the Federal Works Progress Administration (WPA) between 1935 and 1943. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: AL06388
Subjects: Bridges--Ohio; Cumberland Road--History; United States. Work Progress Administration; Transportation--Ohio--History; Zanesville (Ohio); Federal Writers' Project; American guide series; National Register of Historic Places
Places: Zanesville (Ohio); Muskingum County (Ohio)