NELSON BRIDGE

All pictures below are courtesy of Yakima Valley Museum except where noted

12 2004 from Google Earth

04 2022 from Google Earth

In total 5 nonrailroad bridges have been built in this area starting in the 1890s. Since lumber was cheap construction was rudimentary done with simple trusses. Although simple and inexpensive this style of bridge did not last long as the piers are prone to washout. This particular truss has limited span placing the piers close to the main current.

I am guessing that the bridge was built in the 1880s as there is a mention of the Nelson Bridge in the Yakima Herald Aug, 21 1890

Precursor to Nelson / Powerhouse Bridge built around 1890s
Congdon Irrigation Canal with the pre cursor Nelson Bridge in the background

Naches Bridge is in the lower right

an earlier bridge built in the 1890s, precursor to the Nelson / Powerhouse bridges
Nelson Bridge with the Northern Pacific Railway branch line to Cowiche in the background
Nelson Bridge with John Nelson, engineer responsible for the diversion dam built for creating power for Yakima. Future bridges built at this site are known as Powerhouse Bridge
The former steel Powerhouse Bridge removed for present cement bridge. Also was known as Nelson Bridge