Richmond’s Lost “Singing” 9th Street Bridge History by Michael C. Hild - March 3, 2018March 5, 201816 I am fascinated with the old bridges of Richmond. It’s hard to not have nostalgia for the the old “singing” 9th street bridge that predated the Manchester Bridge. Built in 1878, the bridge was originally designed to handle horse drawn carriages. With the advancement of automobiles it was often described as primitive. But what it lacked in advanced engineering, it more than made up for with symphonic character. Here is what Wikipeida has to say about it: “The former Ninth Street (“Singing”) Bridge was a primitive affair built rather low over the river, and whose creosote-treated wooden deck was fitted with strips of metal plates spaced a tire-track apart to prevent excessive wear. As the tires rolled along, these plates, embossed to provide traction, would give off a high humming note—a note that suddenly would rise by about a fifth as a vehicle crossed from south to north: presumably the embossed pattern changed at that point. Returning to Southside in the other lane, the note would remain the same all the way across. The former Ninth Street Bridge was closed and barely escaped submergence during river flooding resulting from Hurricane Camille in 1969, strengthening the resolve of engineers that the replacement would be high above even flood levels of the river. The old bridge was submerged 3 years later during flooding from Hurricane Agnes, and was not returned to service, since the replacement Manchester Bridge was virtually complete.” It looks like it was a good thing the accident prone and rickety old bridge was replaced. But what a thrill it must have been to hear that bridge sing to you as you crossed the mighty James. I would give a nickel to ride across that old bridge one more time! SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave
I loved crossing that old bridge as a young person. I lived on south side and Mom worked at Thalhimers, so we crossed it a lot. Reply
The old bridge inspection team were very stylish back then……inspecting a bridge with a suit and tie! Reply
My sisters and I called it the “funny” bridge when we were young, because of the funny noise it made. Loved crossing over that bridge! Reply
Me too & then Mom would drive around the “urch” street (the short curvy cobblestone street on the south end of the bridge around a factory? building) Our VW beetle always made that sound when she drove fast!🤣 Reply
Daddy worked at the Federal Reserve Bank on 9th St. so living on Southside we crossed that bridge all the time. I’d forgotten it only changed pitch in one direction. Been looking for a good pic for years. Thank you. Reply
Yes Darris, I crossed on the planks out, of school each Summer. Thee was a rope above the dam where you could make your way down and catch the herring run in March-April…..remember ? Reply
