1844

Patented in 1844 by Thomas and Caleb Pratt, the Pratt design was characterized by upper chords and vertical members acting in compression and lower chords and diagonals that acted in tension. Its parallel chords and equal panel lengths resulted in standardized sizes making fabrication and assembly relatively easy. As of 1990, the Jordan Narrows Bridge was one of only eight remaining Pratt through-truss bridges in the State of Utah.

(Utah Department of Transportation, “Determination of Eligibility and Finding of Effect for Jordan Narrows Bridge Replacement,” June 1990, p. 14, 20).

Jan. 21, 1853

Charles Hopkins, Ezekiel Hopkins and Alonzo Rhodes obtained a charter from the Utah Territorial Legislature Assembly to construct a bridge and to collect tolls for crossing it. (“Lehi: Portraits of a Utah Town,” by Richard Van Wagoner, 1990, p. 4.) Charles and Alonzo were authorized to take and sell stock at $25 each share. (“History of Lehi” by Hamilton Gardner 1913.)

July 8th, 1853

Lehi’s first city ordinance regulates the tolls from the bridge. (“Lehi: Portraits of an Utah Town,” p. 4.)

1907

The first bridge was replaced by a second wood bridge before a steel truss bridge was built in 1907. The steel bridge, above, performed yeoman service until it was bypassed in 1947.

1914

A nearly identical bridge is built at 1500 N (9600 N and 7700 W by county coordinates). Contract for the bridge went to Midland Bridge Company for $4,380. The structure consisted of a rigid-connected Pratt truss, supported by 8-inch-diameter, concrete-filled steel cylinder piers. (Utah Department of Transportation, “Determination of Eligibility and Finding of Effect for Jordan Narrows Bridge Replacement,” June 1990, page 19).

1983

Swollen flood waters of the Jordan River threaten to overtake the 1907 bridge.

Sept. 15th, 1984

Pranksters try to blow up the 1914 bridge at 1500 North.

June 1985

The 1907 steel truss bridge was dismantled to prepare for the Army Corps of Engineers’ Jordan River dredging project.

June 1990

Recommendation to bypass bridge with new structure but leave for historical purposes as a footbridge. “UDOT has determined that Utah County has offered the best preservation alternative, which is preservation in place as a bicycle and footbridge for recreationists, with maintenance into perpetuity.” (Utah Department of Transportation, “Determination of Eligibility and Finding of Effect for Jordan Narrows Bridge Replacement,” June 1990, page 16).

June 1995

The new bridge bypassing the old Jordan River Bridge opens for use. The old bridge will be used for bike and foot traffic.

1997

Rehabilitation of the 1914 bridge was coordinated through the Utah State preservation office.

May 22, 1997 - Jordan River Bridge marked with a historical designation as part of Public Works Week for Utah County. (Sharon M. Haddock, Deseret News, “Lehi Bridge That Refuses to Fall Can Stand Tall,” May 19, 1997).

July 2018

Jumping off the old bridge was a popular activity among teens.

July 2018 – 16-year-old Alpine boy accidentally drowns after jumping off the old iron bridge on 1500 North.

March 15th, 2025

A historical marker is placed at the last of the “old iron bridges,” the 1914 bridge, to honor the important role Lehi’s many Jordan River bridges played in the city’s history.