02/21/2023

Midland Bridge over the White River to be disassembled and stored at Conner Prairie as part of the Reimagine Pleasant Street project

The City of Noblesville and Conner Prairie have formed a partnership to store the historic Midland Bridge over the White River at the outdoor history museum, a critical step in Noblesville’s efforts to preserve the bridge. The bridge is being removed as part of Reimagine Pleasant Street – a transformative project that will enhance mobility through Noblesville and increase trail connectivity to create a safe, vibrant corridor for residents to drive, walk, or bike to the City’s downtown.

Construction crews have begun the complex process of disassembling, inspecting and cataloging the bridge onsite in consultation with Indiana’s State Historic Preservation Officer and the US Army Corps of Engineers. Once this work is completed, the bridge will be transported to Conner Prairie for storage. Plans for the final destination of the refurbished, reassembled bridge are still being developed.

“We’re proud to play a role in preserving the Midland Bridge over the White River,” said Norman Burns, President and CEO of Conner Prairie. “This bridge is part of our shared history as Noblesville, Hamilton County, and the Conner House celebrate bicentennials this year. Being part of preserving our community’s transportation and river history is an example of Conner Prairie’s core values in action - a heart for the past, head for the present, and an eye to the future.”  

The historic structure carried the Midland Railway over the White River. Portions of the bridge were fabricated by the Union Bridge Company of Buffalo, New York and Athens, Pennsylvania in 1893. The bridge was eventually used by the Central Indiana Railway Company. The two-span steel through truss bridge is approximately 200 feet long and spanned the White River just west of downtown Noblesville.

 “Conner Prairie was a logical choice for storage as it is a special place dedicated to history,” said Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen. “Not only is it in Hamilton County, but it will provide an up-close opportunity to see a historic railroad bridge. We’re excited to partner with Conner Prairie to preserve this critical part of our shared history.”