Agate Bridge
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This petrified log spanning an opening is in Petrified Forest National Park. It is located off Interstate 40 in eastern Arizona. There are other log spans in the park, but others are in more remote locations. Another span, Onyx Bridge, located in the back country, has recently collapsed. Agate Bridge was known before the petrified forest became a National Monument in 1906. Early observers placed a masonry support under the bridge around the turn-of-the-century. The present concrete support was installed in 1917, a year after the creation of the Park Service. The philosophy of the National Park Service has changed somewhat over the years. While the philosophy has always been to protect existing objects, the feeling now is more to let nature take its course. Had such a policy been in effect early on, the concrete support would probably not have been installed. Of course, this policy could have led to the early demise of the span; and it would not be here for the public to enjoy. Just as a side note, no one is suggesting that Landscape Arch (qv) be propped-up to forestall its fall even though it is the longest (or next- to-longest) span in the country. The author gratefully acknowledges information supplied by a Petrified Forest Park Ranger. |
