Fill – Stone Arch Bridges

Widening a Stone Arch Bridge

While many historic stone arch bridges are too narrow by modern traffic standards, there are several viable ways to non-destructively widen them.

Using solid backing material behind the arch of a stone arch bridge is a sure way to increase the structure’s durability.

Before Cowley County, Kansas began building its famous stone arch bridges in earnest, the city of Winfield built one at the entrance of Island Park.

Building mortarless stonework can be a challenge, but a simple look at how things move and what keeps them in place can bring rewarding results.

The amount of weight a stone arch bridge can handle is related to a variety of factors including span, arch thickness, condition and more.

The fill material within a stone arch bridge not only provides a roadway for vehicles, but also can strengthen the bridge… or cause trouble.