Bond Cemetery Road Bridge, aka Brown County Bridge #36, is a very interesting bridge that has been abandoned and is, frankly, degrading at a fairly rapid pace. The HistoricBridges.org website states: “The bridge is severely deteriorated and the bridge is at an increasing risk for collapse. One of the plates that is part of the floorbeam and hanger system is cracked so badly it is split nearly in half. (see photo below) Many diagonal and vertical members have extremely severe section loss at the heads. Restoration of this bridge would likely need to include disassembly and restoration of these parts in a shop setting.”
Abandonment is, ah, obvious
This historic bridge was constructed in 1908 by the Pan-American Bridge Company of New Castle, Indiana, who were very prolific iron bridge constructors in Indiana. The technical design name of this bridge is a single-span, pin-connected Pratt through truss with an “I” beam approach to the south. The bridge rests on metal abutments, wingwalls and round caisson piers.
The concrete filled metal caisson foundation
The cracked plate referenced above
Looking through the decorative lattice guardrail at North Fork of Salt Creek
Bridge behind camera looking down old Bond Cemetery Road
This bridge spans the North Fork of Salt Creek and is a couple of hundred yards south of Green Valley Road on what is left of Bond Cemetery Road. The old road bed continues towards Highway 46 past the cemetery of that name. There was discussion in the early 2000’s about building some type of trail along the road, including refurbishing the bridge as part of the trail. Too bad nothing ever came of that plan.
Note the “interlaced” I beam verticals, and the moss growing on the deck boards.
This is one of those stories that apparently will not have a happy ending. The private owner of the bridge does not seem to care if the bridge collapses. According to the experts at HistoricBridges.org it is not a matter of if, but when this classic 1908 bridge goes down. What a shame.
Roadtirement 
A very pretty bridge in a beautiful setting. It is such a shame. Too bad the owner is not interested in turning it over to someone who could restore it. If that is even possible, at this point.
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It would, according to the reference website, probably require complete disassembly, repair and reinstallation at quite a cost. Too bad that probably won’t happen.
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Too bad it’s been allowed to deteriorate this far.
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It is a shame, that is for sure.
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You have certainly found some wonderful sights!
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This day trip did provide a lot of adventure. 😉
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Great pictures and information on the bridge. Sucks about the owner. Hard to believe anyone would let it get destroyed through neglect or otherwise.
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It is tough to read about this, especially when you have walked on those soon to be rotting deck boards. We both love history and historic places, and yes, it hurts to see this piece of history rust away Thank you Crandew for stopping by and contributing a sincere comment.
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Definitely not a safe bridge, But very photogenic in its decay all the same.
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It did give me pause when we first stood there looking at the decking. So far the decking is still secure, but with normal weathering coupled with some serious moss growth it won’t be long before the deck will become a means of unannounced swimming in North Fork of Salt Creek.
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It is a shame and is it not a danger?
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We took our time at first walking on the wood deck. It won’t be too long before the deck planks will deteriorate to the point of failure with even human foot traffic.
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Love this old ghostly bridge. Nature is about to have her way with it.
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Very true, on two accounts. One, Nature is winning, and Two, I felt something at the south end of the bridge.
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How cool! I believe!!!
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Wonderful to hear. May we share this: https://roadtirement.com/2021/09/18/paranormal-ghost-in-a-haunted-farmhouse/ You might enjoy it.
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It is a pity, but at least there are photos now of it in its beautiful environment. Maybe the private ownership is also the reason for the trail not happening.
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In the first link in the post there is a reference to somebody who proposed making a trail utilizing the bridge. It did not go through. I dpn’t know the staus of the abandoned road as well… Thanks for your interest, Stella.
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Clearly in a sorry state
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Unfortunately this bridge is on borrowed time, I’m afraid. Thanks, Derrick.
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Wonderful post.
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Thanks Molly
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