Context-Sensitive Design Options for Workhorse Bridges in Rural Historic Districts—Practitioner’s Guide and Research Report

Thousands of workhorse bridges — which have spans of less than 300 feet — are located in historic districts or adjacent to historic structures. These bridges are often considered character-defining features in the landscape and may also serve as important crossings.

The TRB National Cooperative Highway Research Program's NCHRP Web-Only Document 278: Context-Sensitive Design Options for Workhorse Bridges in Rural Historic Districts—Practitioner’s Guide and Research Report is designed to assist practitioners in helping these bridges comply with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act.

Additional resources with the report include a Power Point Presentation and a Design Idea Book, which presents design features that have been used to achieve context-sensitive designs in or adjacent to rural historic districts.