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If you visit this bridge, note that despite the relatively rural location, there is the Centre Bridge Inn which offers a nice meal at a location that overlooks this beautiful historic bridge. The Inn is also a popular place for weddings. The historic bridge and scenic river combine to offer a beautiful backdrop for wedding photos.
An interpretive plaque on this bridge mentions that this bridge is Centre Bridge, named such because it is halfway between Lambertville, NJ and Lumberville, PA.
This unusual, long, and impressive metal truss bridge was built in 1926 and officially opened in 1927. It is unusual because unlike other multi-span truss bridges in this region over the Delaware River, its truss spans are not all the same size. In addition, there are two spans that are quite short for through truss spans and as such look quite odd. It is variety and oddities like this that make historic metal truss bridges so interesting and unique.
This bridge is in great shape and has been well cared for and was recently rehabilitated under the designs of Lichtenstein Consulting Engineers, a well-known firm in the historic bridge world, although today the firm is a part of the Transystems company.
This bridge is owned by the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission (DRJTBC). The DRJTBC has a unique commitment to maintaining the many historic bridges under its ownership, and working with the communities the bridges serve, and sets an example for the rest of the country to follow. The front page of their website often features a photo of a historic bridge, and their slogan is Preserving Our Past, Enhancing Our Future. How many other road/bridge agencies in the United States promote their commitment to historic bridges in this way? Not many.
Not only is the DRJTBC an example of how money might be better spent in regards to non-toll bridges, the DRJTBC bridges are also a great reference when arguing that a historic bridge can be rehabilitated and can also safely continue to function as a vehicular crossing.
The Centre Bridge is currently not considered historic by Pennsylvania. Only Pennsylvania reviewed this inter-state bridge because for whatever reason, the Delaware Joint Toll Bridge Commission Bridges are listed as Pennsylvania bridges, as opposed to New Jersey bridges. In addition, historic districts on both sides of the river did not include this bridge as a contributing structure, presumably because the bridge does not fall within the period of significance for the historic district. This is unfortunate, since this bridge does have historic value and it contributes greatly to the rich historic character of the area. Fortunately, the fact that this bridge is not officially considered historic does not really matter because the bridge is a DRJTBC bridge and they have decided this bridge is worth having, and have preserved the bridge.
Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Historic Bridge InventoryDiscussion of Bridge The 6-span, 825' long, Warren with verticals, riveted thru truss bridge was built in 1926 by the newly formed Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission to replace a Towne lattice truss bridge. A later example of a type and design that was used with great frequency since about 1900, the bridge is not technologically significant. It is also adjacent to but was not included in the Center Bridge Historic District, which has a period of significance through the early 20th century. The bridge associated with the historic district burned in 1923 and was replaced by the present structure, which was excluded from the 1985 district's boundary. Discussion of Surrounding Area The bridge carries a county road over the Delaware River between Center Bridge, PA and Stockton, NJ. It connects PA 263 and NJ 29 in an area known for its historic character. There are National Register-listed historic districts on both sides of the river, but the bridge is not part of either of them. Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: No |
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