I had heard about the historic C-510 train bridge from several people I met in the Upper Peninsula and knew I wanted to visit it in fall, when the brilliant fall colors would make it stand out.
Isn’t it impressive?
About the Historic C-510 Train Bridge
One of only two Pennsylvania truss bridges that exist today in Michigan, the steel bridge originally spanned the Allegheny River.
In 1921, the Michigan State Highway Department bought the 265-foot span to form part of the state trunk line that would run from Negaunee through the Huron Mountains to L’Anse in Baraga County.
The bridge was being removed from its original site because it was one of two toll bridges crossing the Allegheny River. The two bridges were within 500 feet of each other, and the bridge was no longer considered necessary.
In those days, it was not unusual for truss bridges to be sold and relocated to another location.
The span was shipped to Marquette County and the bridge erected over the Dead River, in Negaunee Township in the Upper Peninsula.
Typically reserved for longer spans, the C-510 train bridge is the longest pin-connected highway truss span in Michigan.
With the building and opening of the new C-510 bridge in September 2010, the old train bridge was left standing, but no longer open to vehicle traffic, only to pedestrians.
