View Information About HSR Ratings
This bridge was built in 1900 by the Wrought Iron Bridge Company. Since the company was absorbed into the American Bridge Company in that same year, this bridge would have been among the last bridges built by the Wrought Iron Bridge Company. The bridge contains six panels. The portal bracing is an a-frame design. This bridge is an attractive, traditional example of its type and is a contributing resource for a historic district.
When documented by HistoricBridges.org in 2008, this bridge retained original lattice railing, but no plaque was present. There were welded alterations at several connections on the bridge. The bridge also displayed no finials and portal cresting. In 2010, the bridge was rehabilitated in a historically sensitive manner. Also, a standard design Wrought Iron Bridge Company plaque reappeared on the portal bracing. Additionally, portal cresting and finials were present atop the portal bracing. It is unclear whether these elements are original materials from this bridge that had been in storage, or if they are replicas of original materials that are either in storage or documented in photos and/or drawings, or whether they are original creations developed based on details found on other similar bridges. One thing is certain, which is the date marker on two of the finials is a modern creation since it lists 2010, the rehabilitation date. In any case, these elements greatly enhance the beauty of this historic bridge.
As mentioned, this was a historically sensitive rehabilitation, however, a couple alterations need to be noted. The floor beams were replaced. A far greater concern, the original lattice railing panels were also removed. A crash-resistant guardrail system was installed with a modern lattice railing meant to simulate a historic lattice railing integrated into this guardrail system. This modern lattice does not match the lattice pattern of the original railing. It is unclear why the original lattice railing panels could not have simply been used rather than fabricating the modern lattice panels. The lattice is not the crash-resistant part of the guardrail system, which is the two-tube system present in front of the lattice. With historic pony and through truss bridges, HistoricBridges.org strongly supports and advocates for the installation of a crash-resistant guardrail system that protects the trusses from impact damage by cars. However, this support also comes with a strong urging that the original railing be left in place on the bridge for the beauty of the bridge and the historic integrity of the bridge as well. It should however be noted that both the modern lattice and the crash-resistant guardrail are painted brown, while the truss is painted green. This helps visitors interpret and understand the historic bridge, since when crossing the bridge, everything visible that is painted brown is not original to the bridge.
The rehabilitation work of the bridge itself deserves brief discussion. The bridge had a posted three ton weight limit prior to rehabilitation and following rehabilitation the bridge's condition was improved allowing for a higher posted weight limit of 15 tons. The bridge was dismantled with its parts being cleaned, restored, and repainted in a shop setting. This method of rehabilitation for pin-connected truss bridges is the best method because it fully eliminates all pack rust and allows the fabricator to address all areas of section loss and pack rust in the bridge members. What is unusual is the method in which the bridge was dismantled and reassembled. A temporary Bailey truss was installed inside the truss to hold the bridge together while it was being dismantled and also during reassembly. This method varies from the typical method of simply moving the entire bridge off and on its abutments by picking the truss with a crane, with dismantling and reassembling taking place on nearby land. The Bailey truss method employed here is continuing evidence that numerous methods are available to restore historic metal truss bridges, even bridges where traditional methods are not feasible. The Bailey truss method is useful for situations where nearby land for disassembly and reassembly on land is not available, or in situations where space limitations make the use of a large crane to lift the entire truss difficult.
Information and Findings From New Jersey's Historic Bridge InventoryDiscussion of Bridge The bridge is a six panel riveted pin-connected Pratt thru truss bridge. It is supported on rebuilt concrete abutments and stone wing walls. Modifications include welded repairs to bottom chord and verticals and welded gusset panels. Some pins are bent, and the eyebar bottom chord is twisted. Double pins are used for the lower chord at end panel points only. It has original lattice railing. The well-preserved bridge is rated as contributing element in the National Register district nomination. Discussion of Surrounding Area The one-lane bridge carries an unpaved, 2-lane rural road over the South Branch of the Raritan River. It is located in a wooded rural setting but the urban environment is encroaching. The mill for which the dirt road is named does not appear to have survived, but remains of the dam are visible. Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes |
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.
Additional Maps:
Google Streetview (If Available)
GeoHack (Additional Links and Coordinates)
Apple Maps (Via DuckDuckGo Search)
Apple Maps (Apple devices only)
Android: Open Location In Your Map or GPS App
Flickr Gallery (Find Nearby Photos)
Wikimedia Commons (Find Nearby Photos)
Directions Via Sygic For Android
Directions Via Sygic For iOS and Android Dolphin Browser
USGS National Map (United States Only)
Historical USGS Topo Maps (United States Only)
Historic Aerials (United States Only)
CalTopo Maps (United States Only)
© Copyright 2003-2024, HistoricBridges.org. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer: HistoricBridges.org is a volunteer group of private citizens. HistoricBridges.org is NOT a government agency, does not represent or work with any governmental agencies, nor is it in any way associated with any government agency or any non-profit organization. While we strive for accuracy in our factual content, HistoricBridges.org offers no guarantee of accuracy. Information is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. Information could include technical inaccuracies or errors of omission. Opinions and commentary are the opinions of the respective HistoricBridges.org member who made them and do not necessarily represent the views of anyone else, including any outside photographers whose images may appear on the page in which the commentary appears. HistoricBridges.org does not bear any responsibility for any consequences resulting from the use of this or any other HistoricBridges.org information. Owners and users of bridges have the responsibility of correctly following all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, regardless of any HistoricBridges.org information.
