The Missing Link: bridge design

Phenomenon Trail The Missing Link 51

see page 51

see page 53

The current proposal for the Phenomenon Trail has a missing link. That missing link is a bridge that spans Chemocheechobee Creek. Historically, a bridge crossed the creek on the now-abandoned Central of Georgia Railway. Inspection of the railroad’s survey map shows that at this location in Fort Gaines, the bridge was a single span Pratt Truss.

Historically, the gap between Fort Gaines and Alabama over the Chattahoochee River was connected by a large covered bridge. It was constructed in the Town-Truss style. Fort Gaines is perched atop a bluff that is higher than the Alabama bank, and it appears that a road leading partly down the bluff was the starting point of the bridge. However, the top of the bluff affords fantastic views of the river and is the location of the interesting cultural resources of the Frontier Village. To take advantage of the location, this scenic overlook aims to provide even better views with no vegetative obstructions while harkening back to the amazing bridge structure that once stood nearby. Informative signage on site will explain the history.