A historic bridge built in the early 1900s collapsed into the Chattahoochee River, officials confirmed Saturday.
Bill Cox, superintendent of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, said the collapse of Jones Bridge at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area took place about 1 p.m. Thursday. No one was injured.
Cox said the bridge section that fell Thursday was on the Fulton County side of the river, on land that is part of the national recreation area in Johns Creek. The metal support piers gave way, sending that end of the bridge’s frame down into the Chattahoochee’s waters. Cox said it was probably just time which took its toll on the bridge.
The bridge, first constructed in 1904, fell into disrepair in the 1930s. It hasn’t been usable for cars or even walkers for several decades and was reduced to shell of a bridge over the years. But it was still a special part of the park.
“It was an iconic feature, and everyone loved seeing and photographing,” said Cox.
Credit: Jason Getz
Credit: Jason Getz
Cox encouraged kayakers and canoers to use extra caution in the area to avoid getting caught in the structure, which may not easily visible in higher water levels. He said warning signs are up, and markers have been flagged where the collapsed piece of bridge is located in the water.
He said the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area will remove the piece of the bridge in the water during the coming months.
HALF OF BRIDGE STOLEN: History of the bridge | In-depth at myAJC.com
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