Angela Boulevard Bridge – South Bend IN

Description

In 1938, the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners applied to the Public Works Administration (PWA) for funding to expand the Angela Boulevard Bridge, a critical link for motorists traveling to the Notre Dame stadium for football games. After receiving $45,000 and starting construction, however, faulty work in the original bridge necessitated a new structure, contractor, and additional funding. In 1939, the commissioners appealed again to the PWA and were awarded $76,500, with the county paying the rest of the $152,000 total cost. Remnants of the first bridge were destroyed with explosives that shook the entire neighborhood, but that was not the last time explosives had to be used on the project. In January 1940, an ice flow threatened to carry away the temporary wooden pedestrian bridge and residents were awakened to a blast. The new reinforced concrete arch bridge with art deco piers opened on June 25, 1940, allowing both motorists and school children an easier path across the St. Joseph River.