HistoricBridges.org Menu: HistoricBridges.org Menu:


We Recommend:
Bach Steel - Experts at historic truss bridge restoration.

HistoricBridges.org: Bridge Browser

Piney Fork Private Bridge

Piney Fork Private Bridge

Primary Photographer(s): Nathan Holth

Bridge Documented: August 1, 2010

View Photos
and Videos
View Maps
and Links

Facility Carried / Feature Intersected
Private Drive Over Piney Fork
Location
Rural: Jefferson County, Ohio: United States
Structure Type
Metal 2 Panel Rivet-Connected Inverted Kingpost Pony Truss, Fixed and Approach Spans: Wood Stringer (Multi-Beam),
Construction Date and Builder / Engineer
By Builder/Contractor: Canton Bridge Company of Canton, Ohio
Rehabilitation Date
Not Available or Not Applicable
Main Span Length
Not Available
Structure Length
Not Available
Roadway Width
Not Available
Spans
1 Main Span(s) and 1 Approach Span(s)
Inventory Number
Not Applicable

Historic Significance Rating (HSR)
View Information About HSR Ratings

Bridge Documentation

A Brief History of Canton Bridge Company From Historic American Engineering Record

This bridge is an extremely rare example of a bizarre bridge design that was the distinctive design of the Canton Bridge Company.

These bridges, all built by the Canton Bridge Company are sometimes called lattice girders or are also sometimes called inverted kingpost truss bridges. In reality, they are a blend of a girder and a truss bridge. The diagonal members that form the inverted kingpost truss design function as a pony truss. However the lattice that fills the entire web functions like a through girder, while also acting (and looking like) a traditional lattice railing for the bridge. However, classifying these bridges as inverted kingpost truss bridges makes sense, because this distinguishes them from other lattice girder bridges which lack the distinctive inverted kingpost diagonals.

With the other few examples of this bridge design in Ohio either demolished or altered, this bridge is distinguished as the best remaining example in the state. The bridge retains its decorative flower buttons on the lattice.

It would appear that this bridge was many years ago relocated from somewhere else, but it is not known at this time where the previous location might have been.

Information and Findings From Ohio's Historic Bridge Inventory

Setting/Context

The bridge carries a private drive over a stream west of SR 152 in Dillonvale. The driveway serves several residences (ca. 1950-1980).

Physical Description

The 1 span, pony truss bridge functions as an inverted king-post truss. The upper chord is built up from a plate that is curved at its ends. Riveted to the bottom side of the plate are longitudinal angle stiffeners that also form connection points for the lattice bar railings. At the curved haunches of the upper chords are gusset plates to which are attached a pair of diagonal angles. At mid-span, the diagonals support a rolled floorbeam with vertical outrigger. The floorbeam is connected to the diagonals and the interior lattice bar railings by a gusset plate. The flooring system consists of rolled stringers and plank deck. There is a stringer approach span at the east end. The bridge has concrete abutments and pier.

Summary of Significance

The short-span, inverted king post, pony truss bridge is a rare example of a distinctive type/design attributable to the Canton Bridge Co. of Canton, Oh. This is 1 of 3 identified examples (Phase 1B, July 2009). The bridge is off- system on a private drive, but may have been relocated here, since the substructure appears newer than the superstructure, but it has excellent integrity of original design and materials. There is no record of it in ODOT's prior inventories. It is technologically significant (Criterion C) because it represents the era of innovation and experimentation in metal-truss bridge design and an unusual solution to the need for short-span, metal-truss highway bridges in the late 19th century.

The Canton Bridge Company was established in 1876, but apparently struggled financially and was reorganized in 1891. One of the original 1891 stockholders was David Hammond, the founder of Canton's larger and better- known fabricator, the Wrought Iron Bridge Company in 1866. The Canton Bridge Company was perhaps best known for its successful sales network with offices in major cities from the Northeast to the Midwest with the offices headed by relatives or close associates of David Hammond. In 1901, the company erected over 800 bridges and claimed to have fabricated 25% of all highway bridges built in Ohio that year. The company remained in operation through at least the mid-1910s.

Justification

The bridge is an uncommon type and has a high level of significance. Most complete example of type in the state.

Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes

View PDF Historic Bridge Inventory Sheet

Divider

Photo Galleries and Videos: Piney Fork Private Bridge

 

View Photo Gallery

Bridge Photo-Documentation

Original / Full Size Photos
A collection of overview and detail photos. This gallery offers photos in the highest available resolution and file size in a touch-friendly popup viewer.
Alternatively, Browse Without Using Viewer

Divider

View Photo Gallery

Bridge Photo-Documentation

Mobile Optimized Photos
A collection of overview and detail photos. This gallery features data-friendly, fast-loading photos in a touch-friendly popup viewer.
Alternatively, Browse Without Using Viewer

Divider

Maps and Links: Piney Fork Private 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.

Additional Maps:

Google Maps

Google Streetview (If Available)

Bing Maps

OpenStreetMap

GeoHack (Additional Links and Coordinates)

Apple Maps (Via DuckDuckGo Search)

Apple Maps (Apple devices only)

MapQuest

HERE We Go Maps

ACME Mapper

Waze Map

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)


Divider
 
Home Top

Divider

About - Contact

© 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.

Admin Login

Divider