This standard stone arch crosses over Bay City Creek in Ashland.
Built in 1893, the structure was seriously damaged in 1946, according to railroad records.
Given the nature surrounding flooding in this area, it is not a surprise that a large flood could destroy a stone arch.
After the bridge was damaged, it was replaced with a secondhand deck girder span overhead. The remains of the old stone arch were left underneath.
Due to the damage the bridge sustained, it is likely to be a target for demolition in the near future.
Damage to the bridge includes the complete loss of a large segment of approximately 40 feet of structure.
Failure of the main arch indicates that this bridge was subject to strenuous forces, far greater than it was designed to hold. Based on the sag in the remaining foundations under the removed section, it appears that the wall became severely undermined.
Overall, the bridge is in extremely poor condition. Failure of stone arches is rare, because of the robust design. This is one of only a few known stone arches along the C&NW system to fail.
The author has ranked the bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design and failed status.
The photo above is an overview.