BRIDGES (continued)

Maloney Circle Bridge

Road and bridge construction was meticulously planned by park commissioners and engineers to create a circulation system that would provide quick and easy access to the various areas of historical significance. Although never incorporated as part of the official tour route, Maloney Circle Bridge was an important part of this initial plan, and was among the first bridges recommended for construction in 1901. However, growing emphasis on the completion of Union and Confederate avenues resulted in postponement of bridge construction at the Maloney Circle spur until 1907. Spanning the tracks of the Kansas City Southern Railroad, this bridge provides access to the area once known as Battery Maloney, situated near the present Visitor Center, and is marked by a series of interpretive tablets. Maloney Circle Bridge was closed to vehicle traffic in the early 1970s. The area, now isolated, consists of a grassed cul-de-sac.

Maloney Circle Bridge spans a deep railroad cut to reach Battery Maloney (HAER), An elaborate falsework was needed to permit train service during construction (VICK).

The reinforced concrete arch structure has a single span of 79'. It differs from the other concrete arch bridges in the park primarily in that the deck is supported by arch ribs rather than a barrel arch, like the Melan structures. The guardrail is formed by a series of rounded concrete posts connected by shallow-arched concrete railings and the spandrel walls have decorative inlays of rectangular shapes.

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