Bell Ford Bridge earns top engineering prize

Hamilton County recognized at 2026 Engineering Excellence Awards

Hamilton County’s reconstruction of the Historic Bell Ford Bridge has been awarded the 2026 Grand Project Award by the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Indiana, earning the top distinction among 40 projects recognized statewide. The award was presented during the Engineering Excellence Awards on Thursday, April 30.

Chris Stice, Director of Hamilton County Parks and Recreation, and Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt accepted the Grand Project Award for the Bell Ford Bridge. (Photo provided)

The Bell Ford Bridge was originally constructed in 1869 in Jackson County, Ind., where it served for more than a century before its eventual collapse. As the only surviving combination post truss bridge in the world, its historic components were carefully salvaged and later relocated to Hamilton County.

The project reused a significant portion of the original materials, including most of its iron components and portions of the 19th-century timber structure. Today, the restored bridge stands over Fall Creek at Geist Park as a pedestrian crossing, blending historic preservation with modern engineering.

“A bridge built in 1869 has a story worth telling, and we didn’t want that story to end,” said Chris Stice, Director of Hamilton County Parks and Recreation. “It took a lot of people working together to make this restoration happen, and we’re honored that ACEC Indiana recognized the work everyone put into it.”

“This project is a great example of what can be accomplished when strong partners come together with a shared vision,” County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt said. “From our Highway and Parks Departments to the City of Fishers, VS Engineering, and our partners in Jackson County, this was truly a team effort. We’re proud to help preserve this one-of-a-kind structure for future generations.”

Photo provided