Shaw Bridge

Shaw Bridge, also known as Double-Span Whipple Bowstring Truss Bridge, is a historic bridge in Claverack, New York, United States. It carried Van Wyck Lane over Claverack Creek, but is now closed to all traffic, even pedestrians. It is "a structure of outstanding importance to the history of American engineering and transportation technology." Specifically designed by John D. Hutchinson, the bridge employs the basic design of Squire Whipple. It is the only extant "double" Whipple bowstring truss bridge in the U.S., having two identical spans placed in series over a common pier.

For the bridge in Belfast, see Shaw's Bridge.
Shaw Bridge
View from south end, 2008
Coordinates42°12′55″N 73°43′44″W
CarriesVan Wyck Lane
CrossesClaverack Creek
LocaleClaverack, NY
Maintained byColumbia County Department of Public Works
Heritage statusNRHP #80002598
Characteristics
DesignBowstring truss
MaterialIron, wood
Total length162 feet (49 m)
Width13 feet (4.0 m)
No. of spans2
Clearance below10 feet (3.0 m)
History
DesignerSquire Whipple
Constructed byJ. D. Hutchinson
Opened1870
Location

The bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Since then its wooden deck has deteriorated to the point where it cannot be used even by pedestrians, and it has been closed.

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