Structure
The bridge is located in a quiet residential area where houses, some dating to the early 19th century like the nearby Jacob P. Mesick House, are built on large lots. Many tall trees grow in the area, giving it a wooded feel. The creek, a tributary of the Hudson River to the west, is shallow yet wide here. It is 0.1 mile (150 m) east of NY 23/9H, the main north-south route through the Claverack area.
Structurally, the bridge is a bowstring tied arch with two separate yet identical spans supported by end abutments and a center pier of mortared cut limestone blocks. Its lower chord, wrought iron spans between cast iron connecting blocks, is 162 feet (49 m) long, 13 feet (4.0 m) wide and 10.5 feet (3.2 m) above water level. Its upper chords are segmental arches of nine tangential iron castings with their bearing surfaces joined at each panel point. They bear the legend "J.D. Hutchinson, Builder, Troy, N.Y., 1870".
Iron floor beams are suspended from the top chord by vertical round threaded iron rods similar to those that form the diagonal crosses and braces of the truss web. Wood stringers bolted to the iron beams run the length of the spans, and more iron rods cross-brace them. The deck itself consists of wooden planks laid across the stringers and braces. Guard rails on either side protect the trusses.
Read more about this topic: Shaw Bridge
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