Sutliff Bridge, Johnson County, IA
N 41° 50.368 W 091° 23.511
15T E 633519 N 4633202
The Sutliff Bridge was saved from destruction by a nonprofit group.
Waymark Code: WM101E
Location: Iowa, United States
Date Posted: 11/27/2006
Views: 50
The 3-span Sutliff bridge was completed in 1898 at a cost of $12,000. It is the longest Parker Truss bridge in Iowa, with a length of 827 ft., and a wooden plank roadbed. It was retired in 1981. A new bridge was built 1/2 mile upstream and the road was rerouted.
When it was learned that the bridge was going to be destroyed, a group of locals formed a nonprofit orginization called The Sutliff Bridge Authority. This group leased the bridge from the state in 1984. Since then the group has gated both ends of the bridge to prevent traffic, new planks have replaced old ones, and picnic tables have been installed on the bridge. In 1999, the Johnson County Board of Supervisors presented the nonprofit group with a plaque proclaiming that it was now on the National Registry of Historic Places.
This bridge offers visitors a unique view of the fast flowing Cedar River and a place to relax and visit with family and friends. Be sure to visit the bar/grill across the street. The plaque and other photos are located there. They will be happy to take any donations for upkeep on the bridge that you would care to give. Talk to them about purchasing a personalized plank. You will see where to place donations when you enter the door. The food is good too.