McKinney Hollow Bridge Comes Down... Clifton Forge, VA (April 9, 2025) - The old McKinney Hollow Bridge has now come down - perhaps a bit more than a week ago. Journal Staffer Judy Moffitt Clark stopped by the area to survey the scene. According to Susan Hammond, VDOT Resident Engineeer, "The old bridge (McKinney Hollow Bridge) was also known as the McPherson’s Ford Bridge. It was completed in 1897 and is known as a steel Pratt thru-truss which was a typical design of that era. In 2013 the new bridge was completed and traffic was switched to it and old truss bridge was closed." Hammond also noted that, "The truss's condition had deteriorated significantly, making reconstruction or even safe disassembly a potentially costly and complex undertaking. During the removal process, it was necessary to cut welded connections, which would have been crucial for any potential reconstruction efforts. This further complicated any prospects for preservation. "The liability of older bridges that are not up to modern standards is a significant issue for any entity that would take ownership. The cost of the repairs and the transport of the bridge would be incredibly high, making it unfeasible to move. Last year a local willing party came forward and took the truss to scrap it for no cost to VDOT. "The decision to dispose of the McPherson's Ford Bridge truss underscores the challenges of preserving aging infrastructure in the face of modern safety standards and financial constraints. "While the loss of this historical structure is regrettable, the bridge will be thoroughly documented for historical purposes. This record will comprise memory preservation and engineering details of the structure, even in its physical absence. "The bridge closure and eventual disposal mark the end of an era. VDOT’s documentation efforts will ensure that its legacy is not forgotten." Here are a couple photos of what's left of it...

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