Historic Context and Inventory for 1945-1965 Bridges

Texas Department of Transportation – Statewide, Texas

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is working to update its statewide inventory of historic bridges built between 1945 and 1965.  This multi–phase effort will evaluate and document the historic and engineering significance of over 17,000 bridges.  Drawing upon Mead & Hunt’s broad experience studying and recording the history of bridge design and construction, our historians developed a historic context for bridges built during this post–World War II era.  The effort involved extensive research at state archives, universities, and several TxDOT offices to identify statewide trends in bridge design and construction.  We also conducted oral interviews with former TxDOT and private–sector bridge engineers and contractors who provided an invaluable perspective regarding decision–making processes.

The historic context provides the foundation for the National Register evaluation system, which is being applied to the bridges built from 1945 to 1965.  The evaluation methodology outlines a point-based evaluation system that assesses the bridges’ historic significance and considers aspects of integrity.  In future project phases, Mead & Hunt expects to:

• Complete site–specific research to identify information that will help in selecting bridges for field survey.
• Document selected structures in the field and evaluate the National Register eligibility, applying the criteria for evaluation and integrity considerations.
• Record collected data for the subject structures in TxDOT’s Historic Bridge Database.
• Document the results of the evaluation of 1945 to 1965 bridges in a final report.
• Provide TxDOT historians with educational information regarding 1945 to 1965 bridge types, their character–defining features, and the evaluation system.
• Review TxDOT’s overall historic bridge program and make recommendations about methods to effectively manage their historic structures.