Swamp Creek Road Bridge North

Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Historic Bridge Inventory

Discussion of Bridge

The 3-span, 98' long and 22' wide stone arch bridge built in 1910 is laid up ashlar masonry is finished with crenellated stones, a common early-20th century detail. The wingwalls flare on one side of the bridge to accommodate the adjacent roadway and are straight on the other side. The roadway face of the parapets have been gunited, and the intrados are parged. The grapevine joints, the parged intrados, and the shotcrete coating on the parapets are alterations of the original design. In this county, with its rich context of stone arch bridges, it is the earlier and most complete examples that best represent the technology. Stone arch bridges were constructed in Montgomery County into the late 1930s. Of the 58 surviving examples in Montgomery County dating from 1789 to 1937, 36 are multi-span, and 37 were built before 1900. Neither the bridge nor its setting are historically or technologically significant.

Discussion of Surrounding Area

The bridge carries a single-lane road over a stream in an area that is densely forested with a few scattered modern residences on large wooded lots . Boy and Girl scout camps are nearby. The area does not appear to have historic district potential.

Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: No

Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Stone Arch Bridge Management Plan

Discussion of Bridge

This bridge is recommended for long-term preservation. It ranks in the upper third of all stone arch bridges under study in this plan. The bridge scores high in five codes -- transportation, rehabilitation costs, development, cultural values, and public input. PennDOT has already committed to keeping the bridge, undertaking some repair work. Marlborough Township has also passed a petition in favor of retaining the bridge. The bridge handles its present low volume of traffic well, and as the bridge is located in a low development area, future traffic is not expected to increase significantly. The waterway is also adequate. Cracks and loose stones in the superstructure and minor scour in the substructure will need to be addressed in accordance with the Maintenance Manual developed as part of this plan. The bridge is both listed in the National Register of Historic Places and located in a park, resulting in a high values code. Historic integrity is good, meaning rehabilitation costs are potentially low. There is public support for the bridge (two questionnaires and two emails) as well as the township's resolution.

Ratings

The Marlborough, Swamp Creek Road Bridge is owned by PennDOT and is ranked 17th.
Condition Code = 44 - low
Transportation Code = 59 - high
Waterway Adequacy Code = 53 - moderate
Cost to Rehabilitate or Replace Code = 58 - high
Anticipated Development Code = 58 - high
Recreational, Historical, and Cultural Values Code = 54 - moderate
Public Input Code = 60 - very high

Recommendation: Recommended for long-term preservation.