Boggy Run Road Bridge

Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Historic Bridge Inventory

Discussion of Bridge

The 1911, single span, 78'-long, reinforced concrete T beam bridge with haunched beams and concrete balustrades is supported on concrete abutments with wingwalls. The fasciae beams and the tops of the wingwalls have a bush hammered finish. The bridge is stylistically similar to two other T beam bridges designed and built by Will Dickinson in 1911-1912. He was a local engineer and contractor, who introduced reinforced concrete bridge types to Elk County beginning about 1907. The long span, haunched beam bridges are not a common early variation of the T beam bridge type, which usually was not haunched, and more often applied to span lengths of less than 50'. There are over 2,300 pre-1957 T beam highway bridges identified in the state with the earliest documented example dated to 1905, and about 30 to before 1916. It is the early examples that represent the importance and contribution of the technology to the improvement of local, county and state roads. The 1911 bridge is historically and technologically significant as an early, long, and complete example of a T beam bridge with haunched beams.

Discussion of Surrounding Area

The bridge carries a 2-lane road over a stream in a residential part of the village of Brockton. To the south are a house built ca. 1965 and a late 20th century modular home. To the north are an early 20th century residence with modern siding and a post-WW II house. The setting does not have historic district potential.

Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes