PA-61 Shamokin Creek Bridge

Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Historic Bridge Inventory

Discussion of Bridge

The one-span, 158'-long, rivet-connected Parker thru truss bridge built in 1933 has built-up chords, rolled section diagonals and verticals, cantilevered sidewalks with lattice railings, and concrete abutments with flared wingwalls. The concrete deck was replaced in 1981. The bridge is a late example of the Parker truss type, a variation of the Pratt truss with polygonal top chord, developed in the 1870s and patented by engineer Charles H. Parker. The truss type was adopted by the state highway department in the late 1920s as a standard design for long-span crossings. It was used extensively through the 1930s, with over 80 post-1925 examples identified. This 1933 example has no distinguishing features. Rolled section was used for truss members starting in the late 1920s. Earlier examples of rivet-connected Parker trusses better illustrate the historical and technological significance of the bridge type. The bridge is not historically distinguished by its setting or context.

Discussion of Surrounding Area

The bridge carries a 2 lane highway and 2 sidewalks over a stream in an area dominated by a mix of mid- to late-20th century residential and commercial development. Shamokin Creek is the east boundary of Sunbury City. The bridge is not in the Sunbury Historic District (listed 11/3/83), located approximately one mile to the west. The area does not appear to have historic district potential.

Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: No