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This is one of the only surviving patented Thomas Moseley iron arch bridges in existence, and it has been preserved on the grounds of Merrimack College. The bridge is a bowstring truss/arch bridge. Typically bridges of this general overall design are called bowstring truss bridges, but often share a lot in common with arch bridges as well. However, this design lacks diagonal members and perhaps tips the scale more in favor of the arch category rather than the truss category. Even the patent for this bridge design is titled as a "truss bridge" but described in the details as being composed of "arches." Indeed, this only illustrates how unusual and highly significant this bridge is. It is among the oldest metal bridges in America and represents the period of experimentation in the development of iron bridges. It was moved off its previous location at at Upper Pacific Mills in Lawrence in 1989 and put in storage. It was restored at the college and opened to pedestrians in 1995.
Above: Thomas Moseley. Photo Courtesy Frank Griggs.
Above: Historical photo showing bridge at its previous location over the North Canal in Lawrence. Photo Courtesy Frank Griggs.
Above: HAER Photo showing the bridge in its previous location.
Above: HAER Photo showing the bridge in its previous location.
Above: HAER Photo showing the bridge in storage.
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