Hamilton County has received statewide recognition for a project that preserved a unique piece of engineering history while creating a new attraction for local residents at Geist Park.

The reconstruction of the historic Bell Ford Bridge earned the 2026 Grand Project Award from the Indiana chapter of the American Council of Engineering Companies during the organization’s Engineering Excellence Awards ceremony held April 30. The honor represented the top award among 40 projects recognized across Indiana.

The Bell Ford Bridge was originally built in 1869 in Jackson County, Indiana, where it carried traffic for more than 100 years before eventually collapsing. The bridge is believed to be the only surviving combination Post truss bridge in the world, making preservation efforts especially significant.

Rather than allowing the remaining structure to disappear, historic components of the bridge were salvaged and relocated to Hamilton County. The reconstructed bridge now spans Fall Creek within Geist Park and serves as a pedestrian crossing.

According to Hamilton County officials, much of the original bridge material was reused in the project, including most of the iron framework and portions of the original 19th-century timber structure. The project combined modern engineering practices with historic preservation techniques in an effort to maintain the bridge’s historic character.

“A bridge built in 1869 has a story worth telling, and we didn’t want that story to end,” said Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Director Chris Stice in a statement released by the county. “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.”

Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt said the award reflects cooperation between multiple agencies and organizations involved in the restoration effort.

“This project is a great example of what can be accomplished when strong partners come together with a shared vision,” 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.”

The restored bridge has become part of the expanding trail and park amenities in the Geist area, while also preserving a rare example of 19th-century bridge engineering for future generations.