Y Bridge - 1926 - Galena, MO - Dated Architectural Structures Multifarious on Waymarking.com

County of Marker: Stone County
Location of Marker: MO-413/248/265 & E. end of "Y" Bridge, Galena
Marker Erected by: The City of Galena
Architect: B.H. Piepmeier, Chief Engineer for Missouri State Highway Department
Contractor: Koss Construction
Architectural Style: Classical Monderne, sub-type of Deco

"The Y Bridge clearly fits a stylistic category, "Classical Moderne," a conservative form of Art Deco which came to the forefront during the depression era of the 1930s... a simplified and monumental modernistic neoclassicism. The Y Bridge, therefore, represents an early example of a style which would be so associated with the public works projects of the 1930s that it is sometimes referred to as PWA (Public Works Administration) Moderne, and which dignifies many courthouses and other public buildings constructed in the Ozarks. While Classical Moderne is associated with the PWA, its inception clearly precedes the PWA." ~ Nathan Holth, on Bridgehunter

The reinforced concrete bridge at Galena, Stone County, Missouri, State Highway Department structure number H404, known as the Y Bridge, is a structure with five open spandrel elliptical principal spans and ten slab and girder secondary spans. The bridge is called the Y Bridge because the secondary spans of the east end form a fork from two approaches. In terms of both architectural form and detailing the bridge is an example of "classical moderne" a sub-type of the Deco style. The bridge is essentially unchanged from the time when it was built, still maintains its physical relationship to principal historic structures and areas of Galena, and is in an area which continues to possess its natural character. The bridge retains its integrity of location, design, setting, material, feeling, and association." ~ NRHP Nomination Form