Bridges were designed to allow people or other items to pass over an area without making it difficult or disturbing that particular area. For example, a bridge over a river allows passage over it very easy, but does not disrupt the flow of the water.
A suspension bridge is a bridge with its deck supported by large cables hung from towers. The most popular such bridges are the Golden Gate Bridge and the George Washington Bridge. The first known suspension bridges date back to 100 B.C.
Bridges are structures used by people and vehicles to make crossing areas easier in travel. Engineers build bridges over rivers, lakes, ravines, canyons, railroads, and highways. Bridges must be built strong enough to safely support their own weight as well as the weight of the people and vehicles that pass over it. The bridge must also withstand natural occurrences that include weathering, earthquakes, strong winds, and freezing and thawing.
Arch bridges have a beautiful design. Early arch bridges were made of cement and stones. They proved to be very strong. Many early arch bridges are still standing today. The design allows the weight to be carried along the arch to the ends rather than being pushed straight down. Supports are added to the ends to make the bridge even stronger. These supports, called abutments, keep the ends from spreading out and cracking. This is the secret to why the design has held through the test of time.
Twin Bridges, Montana is a small but gorgeous area of Southwestern Montana. The annual income in low, just over $25,000. However, you can buy a 4 bedroom house with 2 bathrooms and a garage for $75,000. So don’t get the idea that people there are poor. The cost of living is just very low. 97% of the population in Twin Bridges are white. The population is just over 400 people.