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New (old) bridges along the Canal Towpath

Adjoining a canal built in 1836, the Central Canal Towpath is already rich in Indiana history. This summer, it will get even more interesting, when two restored 19th Century iron bridges will be installed.

The preservation and restoration of these two bridges is made possible with grants from, and partnerships with, Historic Landmarks of Indiana, the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the Griffith Foundation and the Indianapolis Water Company. Both bridges were identified by DePauw University Professor James Cooper as part of an endangered, and rapidly disappearing, historic midwestern legacy. These two bridges were rescued from Montgomery County.

A "bowstring" arch bridge (built in 1872) will span the IWC Canal at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, connecting the main IMA grounds with the Towpath and a new nature path being developed around the lake on the west side of the Canal. A "bedstead" bridge (built in 1878) will span the Canal just downstream of the Illinois Street bridge.

"The Illinois Street sidewalk crossing will be too narrow as the use of Central Canal Towpath grows," notes Indy Greenways Administrator Ray Irvin. "This new/old bridge will fill a very practical need as well complementing the historic character of the Towpath," he concludes.

The Indianapolis Museum of Art bridge will connect the main IMA campus with the Central Canal Towpath Trail and the IMA Lake, which is located between the Canal and White River. The lake will host a walking trail, a meadow area along the river, and perhaps art exhibits. Landscape planners have been careful to preserve the natural beauty of the area.

This entire removal, restoration and placement process has been documented by local government TV channel 16, and will be the subject of a documentary video.

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