Travelling through the haunted Dyreson Road Bridge
The Dyreson Road Bridge is a historic single-lane metal truss bridge spanning 38.8 meters (127.3 ft) across the Yahara River in Dane County, in the US state of Wisconsin Located just south of McFarland, the bridge carries East Dyreson Road through a rural wetland area. It's one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
| Road facts: Dyreson Road Bridge | |
|---|---|
| Location | Dane County (McFarland), Wisconsin (USA) |
| Route Designation | East Dyreson Road |
| Length | 38.8 m (127.3 ft) |
| Structure Type | Single-lane metal Pratt through truss |
| Build Date / Restorations | Built 1897 / Rehabilitated 1983 / Restored 2015 |
| Weight Limit | 10 Tons |
| Surface | Single-lane wooden plank deck |
Where is the Dyreson Road Bridge located?
The bridge sits on East Dyreson Road in rural Dane County, positioned directly south of McFarland. It spans the Yahara River, providing a quiet crossing between agricultural fields and marshlands.
What type of bridge carries East Dyreson Road?
Erected in 1897, it is one of the last historic metal frame truss bridges in Wisconsin. The single-span structure features an overhead steel truss frame supporting a narrow wooden plank deck. The county rehabilitated the bridge in 1983 and completed a major structural restoration in 2015 to maintain its 10-ton load capacity for local traffic.
Why is Dyreson Road Bridge rumored to be haunted?
As one of the oldest metal bridges in the state, it has accumulated numerous local urban legends. Drivers report stories of ghost cars chasing vehicles across the single-lane deck late at night, as well as unverified accounts of crying sounds originating from underneath the timber structure near the Yahara River bank.
What are the driving conditions on the Dyreson Road Bridge?
The road operates as a single lane with a strictly enforced 10-ton weight limit. The wooden deck planks become slick during rain and winter ice, and creak under vehicle weight. The narrow steel portal frame leaves narrow clearance, requiring drivers to check for oncoming traffic on the opposite bank before committing to the crossing.