Hazen Bridge

This unique iron bridge is one of only two truss bridges remaining in Champaign County. Due to it's unique architecture and historical significance, the bridge was successfully placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Even though it is no longer in use, the bridge is a reminder of a different era in central Illinois as well as infrastructure history.

Originally built in 1893, Hazen Bridge, also known as Newcomb Bridge, was built by Seevers Manufacturing Company for $4,985. The bridge was built over the Sangamon River at a location known as White's Ford, a popular river crossing used prior to the completion of the bridge. Construction of a large bridge at this area was necessary due to the high flooding of the Sangamon River. On some rainy days, the Sangamon River was known rise nearly ten feet in a single day. Thanks to it's height and long western approach, Hazen Bridge often avoids high flooding periods from the Sangamon River.

Looking at it's unique construction, Hazen Bridge has cast iron or steel column bents which support the east and west approach spans. These column bents are unique and may be the only known example of such a support structure in the state. The nomination consists of one contributing structure.

At the time of it's construction, iron truss bridges were commonplace. They were popular design styles among bridge engineers during the late 1800s and early 1900s. However, since truss bridges require more labor and materials due to their large size, they have become less common and engineers are turning more towards designs using more concrete or forms of suspension in some cases.

Due to the significance of the infrastructure, it was officially placed on the National Register for Historic Places in 1994.

Historic American Engineering Record, Creator. Hazen Bridge, Spanning Sangumon River at Township Road 85, Mahomet, Champaign County, IL. Champaign County Mahomet Illinois, 1968. Documentation Compiled After. Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/il0701/.

Kummer, Karen Lang, “Hazen Bridge,” National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form, Preservation and Conservation Association, Mahomet, IL, December 1993. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/28891838.

Scholz, Robin, “Significant Structures: Mahomet’s Hazen Bridge,” The News-Gazette, September 1, 2019. https://www.news-gazette.com/significant-structures-mahomets-hazen-bridge/collection_94e6b89e-c91e-11e9-a41c-67a8369c8904.html