Spanning Washington: Historic Highway Bridges of the Evergreen State

Front Cover
Washington State University Press, 2005 - Architecture - 268 pages

Designed first and foremost to be practical, bridges nevertheless are often breathtaking in their construction, combining function and aesthetics. The historic structures that span the Evergreen State's highways are no exception. These technological wonders are extraordinary by any measure, yet their stories have remained largely unknown.

Conceived by visionary engineers and built by anonymous workmen, Washington's highway bridges are amazing triumphs of skill, and played a significant role in the state's history. Several, at the time of their completion, attracted worldwide attention and the praise of professional engineers, influencing the course of bridge construction.

In their quest to compile the first comprehensive history of the state's highway bridges, the authors poured through the extensive records at the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), collecting definitive documentation and photographs from across the state. This magnificent book, including more than 100 illustrations, represents the culmination of years of study by many individuals associated with WSDOT and the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (Olympia).

From inside the book

Contents

INTRODUCTION
1
ISO YEARS OF SPANNING WASHINGTON
29
FAILURE AND PROGRESS
51
Copyright

14 other sections not shown

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References to this book

Grand Coulee Dam
Ray Bottenberg
Limited preview - 2008
Grand Coulee Dam
Ray Bottenberg
Limited preview - 2008

About the author (2005)

Craig Holstine is a Cultural Resources Specialist with WSDOT and has evaluated and documented numerous historic bridges in the state. Richard Hobbs is an independent historian and has written extensively on historic bridge construction in Washington.

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