This collection began with an accession of information on one bridge, and has continued to grow as more information on bridges has been identified and processed. The bridges included to date are those spanning the Grand River, in the area of Grand Rapids, Michigan proper.

A 1988 and 1991 accession from the Grand Rapids City Engineers includes recordation packages of the Bridge St. Bridge and the North Park Bridge. A brief history of each bridge and maps of the areas are given. The historical and economic importance of each bridge is assessed. Schematics and pictures of each bridge is also included, as are construction plans. The data was collected prior to demolition of both of these National Register of Historic Places eligible bridges, as required by federal law. Additional color photographs have been added, which show the 1991 construction of the new bridge, as well as 1998 engineering drawings, which show the plans for the old bridge installed in Riverside Park.

The largest content currently in this general subject-related collection are the items for the Sixth Street Bridge, mostly from 1976, including correspondence and a structural report. Reference articles and newspaper clippings cover various time periods, and a 1981 dedication program and invitation are the most recent documents. A 2002 accession is a reproduction Dutch lithograph of the Grand River, showing a covered bridge with stone supports, near “Belting Manufactory”.