Bridges built by Joseph Dice

In the early 20th Century, a unique Missouri bridge builder named Joseph A Dice built a large number of unique suspension bridges for local governments in Missouri. He did not engineer his bridges and he did not draw plans for his bridges, instead, he simply eyeballed the place where the bridge was to be built and figured out how much material he needed and what configuration that bridge should have.

A true tribute to Dice’s skills, his bridges have in many cases, including the Grand Auglaize Suspension Bridge, lasted longer than newer bridges built by corporate consulting engineers with their fancy AASHTO regulations and high-tech engineering computer programs. One of the largest of the remaining Dice bridges, and also with the highest level of historic integrity, the Grand Auglaize Swinging Bridge is truly a testament to the results of a man who was skilled, dedicated and hard working. The bridge is a tribute not to engineers, but to a craftsman.

The Grand Auglaize Bridge is the second-longest surviving Dice suspension bridge in the state. It also retains the highest degree of historic integrity. Original towers, cables, railings, and floor beams are present on the bridge. Many of the other Dice suspension bridges have had large portions of original bridge material bypassed or replaced.

Driving across the bridge is quite an experience largely on account of the incredible noise that the wooden planks on the bridge make when crossing. Due to the flexibility of the suspension design, a rigid deck is not possible, so the wood planks must be placed on the bridge loosely.  Courtesy of historicbridges.com

County Line Bridge (Henry County, Missouri)
Built 1912
Lost suspension bridge over Osage River
No longer exists