Fernbridge
is named for the bridge, the centerpiece of this Humboldt
County town with less than 100 people who live next to the
Eel River.
Fernbridge and the
town's centerpiece bridge, are
important to the region. The bridge was built nearly 100 years ago in 1911,
and quickly gained fame at the time as the world's largest all-concrete span. It stretched nearly
1320 feet or a quarter of a mile across the federally designated wild
and scenic Eel River, once abundant with salmon.
Also called Eel River Bridge,
Fernbridge is listed on the National Historic Register for its
road-related transportation function and architectural and engineering
significance during the period of 1900 to 1924. Built on California
Highway 211, old black and white photographs show not only the bridge
but also a railroad station and dozens of buildings in a centralized
community. Registered as Structure #87000566, Fernbridge was built by
the State of California with architect, builder, or engineer John B.
Leonard.
When a normally docile, meandering
river raged over its banks in December 2005, the Fernbridge community
was put on alert and the bridge was closed. Eel River was predicted to
crest at 26 feet (flooding occurs at 20 feet) and surrounding
businesses, homes and livestock were evacuated in preparation. Like
other California communities located near rivers susceptible to flooding
(Forrestville, Guerneville and Napa), Fernbridge's active participants
are a determined lot who bounce back undeterred. The townsfolk of
Ferndale five miles were also affected by the bridge closure during the
busy holiday season just days before Christmas.
When visiting, enjoy
your car or bicycle ride across this historic bridge and try
to imagine how it must have felt to ride across it in the
early 1900's when it was the world's largest concrete span.
Today the bridge seems rather impressive mainly for the
sweeping views of the meandering river below. As bridges go,
it doesn't seem that special, but back in the old days, its
construction was well known.
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