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Ponakin Bridge

Ponakin Bridge

Primary Photographer(s): Nathan Holth and Rick McOmber

Bridge Documented: July 12, 2008

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Facility Carried / Feature Intersected
Ponakin Road Over Nashua River
Location
Ponakin Mill: Worcester County, Massachusetts: United States
Construction Date and Builder / Engineer
1871 By Builder/Contractor: Watson Manufacturing Company of Paterson, New Jersey
Rehabilitation Date
1978
Main Span Length
100.0 Feet (30.5 Meters)
Structure Length
101.0 Feet (30.8 Meters)
Roadway Width
20.3 Feet (6.19 Meters)
Spans
1 Main Span(s)
Inventory Number
TWN324008100

Historic Significance Rating (HSR)
View Information About HSR Ratings

Bridge Documentation

View Archived National Bridge Inventory Report - Has Additional Details and Evaluation

View Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) Documentation For This Bridge

HAER Drawings, PDF - HAER Data Pages, PDF

View The Original Patent For This Historic Bridge

View The National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form For This Historic Bridge

View Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) Inventory Forms For This Historic Bridge

This bridge is one of two known Post truss bridges in the country: both are in Worcester County: the other is the Atherton Bridge. However, the Ponakin Bridge is the only one that also follows and displays the patented connection and structural details that Simeon Post filed a patent for and received in 1863. Post never did patent the actual truss configuration. As such, although each of these two bridges are among the most important truss bridges in the country, the Ponakin Bridge is slightly more significant for displaying both the truss configuration and the patented details. The Ponakin Bridge is also significant as a bridge with cast iron members, placing it in another small, elite group of historic truss bridges.

As the last remaining exact replica of the Post truss, and one of only two following the general Post configuration, with end post and top chord made of cast iron, and with excellent historic integrity despite how old it is, this bridge is truly a priceless historic artifact.

HAER thoroughly documents the unusual design, history, and details of this bridge. Be sure to look to their documentation for a complete history of the bridge.

Given a relatively higher attention given to historic bridge preservation in Massachusetts (and several other northeastern USA states) than is seen in the country as a whole, one would seem to expect to see the last Post through truss in the country restored. However, this bridge has just been abandoned and allowed to be overgrown, which is obviously better than the demolition that this bridge might have received had it been located in another state, yet a bridge this rare deserves so much more than abandonment. Rather than wait for a bad flood or a large falling tree to spell doom for this cast iron bridge, this bridge should be relocated and restored for pedestrian use. Any restoration of the bridge should be undertaken with the greatest care to retain all original material possible, and any replaced material must be exactly replicated, right down to the rivets on the bridge.

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Photo Galleries and Videos: Ponakin Bridge

 

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Bridge Photo-Documentation

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Maps and Links: Ponakin Bridge

Coordinates (Latitude, Longitude):

Search For Additional Bridge Listings:

Bridgehunter.com: View listed bridges within 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) of this bridge.

Bridgehunter.com: View listed bridges within 10 miles (16 kilometers) of this bridge.

HistoricBridges.org Bridge Browser: View listed bridges within 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) of this bridge.

HistoricBridges.org Bridge Browser: View listed bridges within 10 miles (16 kilometers) of this bridge.

2021 National Bridge Inventory: View listed bridges within 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) of this bridge.

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