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Information:
The Iron Bridge, also known as the Old Gila River Bridge is a three span riveted Warren through truss is listed on the New Mexico register of cultural properties as the Gila River Bridge. It is currently closed to traffic and is a pedestrian only bridge.
The Iron Bridge is also located within the Iron Bridge Conservation Area which is the most visited portion of The Nature Conservancy′s Gila River Preserve. The preserve is home to a wide variety of birds including the Brown-crested flycatcher, willow flycatcher, Alberts Towhee, yellow-billed cuckoo and Bells Vireo.
Driving Directions:
Access to the bridge is by taking the old US 180 alignment, which is now called Iron Bridge Road. Parking is available on either side of the Iron Bridge.
The Iron Bridge Road is about 22 miles northwest of Silver city between the mile markers 86 and 87, less than a mile south of where US 180 crosses the Gila river, which is the locattion of the New Gila River bridge that replaced the Iron Bridge.
Location:
Coordinates:
32.94008, -108.60644
Elevation:
4466 feet
Bridge Specification
Bridge Type:
Steel Warren Though Truss Deck Bridge
Date Open:
1915
Year Bypassed:
About 1999
Total Length:
381 feet
Deck Width:
15.4 feet
Main Span Length:
112 feet;
Crosses:
Gila River
Clearance Above:
(Vehicle Clearance) about 15 feet.
Clearance Below:
(Vessel Clearance) about 20 feet.
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