Glover Cary Bridge Live Cam

The Owensboro Bridge, officially known as the Glover H. Cary Bridge, is a prominent landmark and transportation route located in Owensboro, Kentucky, United States. Here's a brief history of the Owensboro Bridge:

Construction: The Owensboro Bridge was designed by engineer Modjeski & Masters and constructed by the American Bridge Company. Construction began in 1928, and the bridge was completed and opened to the public on December 15, 1932.

Naming: The bridge was named after Glover H. Cary, a prominent local businessman, philanthropist, and civic leader who played a significant role in the development of Owensboro.

Architecture: The Owensboro Bridge is a steel truss bridge that spans the Ohio River, connecting Owensboro, Kentucky, with Spencer County, Indiana. It has a total length of approximately 5,700 feet (1,737 meters) and a main span length of 650 feet (198 meters). The bridge features distinctive decorative arches and towers, giving it an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Importance: The Owensboro Bridge serves as a vital transportation link, connecting the cities of Owensboro, Kentucky, and Rockport, Indiana. It provides a crucial crossing point over the Ohio River, facilitating trade, commerce, and daily commuting between the two states.

Renovation: Over the years, the Owensboro Bridge has undergone several renovation and maintenance projects to ensure its structural integrity and accommodate increasing traffic demands. These efforts have included repairs, repainting, and the addition of modern safety features.

Riverfront Development: The Owensboro Bridge has played a significant role in the development of Owensboro's riverfront area. It has helped attract visitors, enhance recreational opportunities, and promote economic growth in the region.

The Owensboro Bridge stands as an iconic symbol of Owensboro's history, connecting communities and contributing to the area's transportation infrastructure.

Historical Facts

• Predecessor Bridges: Before the construction of the Owensboro Bridge, there were several earlier bridges at the same location. The first bridge, known as the L&N Railroad Bridge, was a wooden bridge built in the 1880s. It was followed by a steel truss bridge in 1891, which was then replaced by a steel cantilever bridge in 1902.
• Design and Construction: The Owensboro Bridge was designed by the engineering firm Modjeski & Masters, which was led by Ralph Modjeski, a renowned bridge designer of the time. The American Bridge Company was responsible for its construction.
• Dedication: The bridge was dedicated and officially opened to the public on December 15, 1932. The dedication ceremony was attended by local officials, dignitaries, and a large crowd of residents who celebrated the completion of the new bridge.
• Historic Engineering Achievement: At the time of its completion, the Owensboro Bridge was recognized as one of the longest suspension-type bridges in the United States. Its innovative design and engineering techniques made it a significant engineering achievement of its time.
• Toll Bridge: Initially, the Owensboro Bridge was a toll bridge, and travelers had to pay a fee to cross it. The tolls were collected until 1954 when the bridge became toll-free.
• Renaming: The bridge was officially renamed the Glover H. Cary Bridge in 1954 to honor Glover H. Cary, a prominent local businessman and philanthropist who played a significant role in the development of Owensboro.
• Listed on the National Register of Historic Places: In recognition of its historical and architectural significance, the Glover H. Cary Bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
• Lighting Upgrades: In recent years, the bridge underwent lighting upgrades to enhance its visual appeal during the evening hours. The new lighting system illuminates the bridge's towers, cables, and roadway, creating a stunning nighttime display.

These historical facts highlight the Owensboro Bridge's importance as a transportation artery and its significance as a local landmark with architectural and engineering significance.

Color

The Owensboro Bridge is primarily painted in a silver or gray color. The bridge's steel structure is typically coated with a protective paint that provides durability and helps prevent corrosion. The silver or gray color is commonly used for steel bridges as it blends well with the surrounding environment and does not significantly impact the overall aesthetics of the structure. However, it's worth noting that bridge colors can occasionally change due to maintenance and renovation projects, so there may be variations in the color of the Owensboro Bridge over time.

Geography

The Owensboro Bridge, also known as the Glover H. Cary Bridge, spans the Ohio River and connects the city of Owensboro in Kentucky, United States, with Spencer County in Indiana. The bridge is situated in the western part of Kentucky, close to the border with Indiana.

• The city is known for its riverfront area, which has undergone significant development and revitalization in recent years.
• On the Indiana side, the Owensboro Bridge connects to the community of Rockport in Spencer County. Rockport is a small town situated on the northern bank of the Ohio River, east of Evansville, Indiana.

The Owensboro Bridge serves as a crucial transportation link between the two states, facilitating travel and trade between Owensboro, Kentucky, and Rockport, Indiana. It plays a vital role in connecting these communities and facilitating regional economic activities.