View Information About HSR Ratings
Be sure to view the survey form for this bridge since it includes a well-written and very detailed history about this bridge.
This five panel pin-connected full-slope Pratt pony truss was a traditionally composed structure that was a contributing resource in a registered National Historic District. It was also individually significant as an early example of a bridge associated with Nelson and Buchanan, who were extremely important builders and agents in Pennsylvania. Already in need of a preservation commitment spearheaded with a comprehensive rehabilitation project, the bridge was hit be a vehicle which severed part of a vertical member and seriously bent another, resulting in the closure of the bridge.
In response, PennDOT, who owned the bridge, decided to continue its track record for demolishing historic metal truss bridges and planned a replacement project, regardless of the individual significance and the contributions the bridge made to the rural historic district. The replacement plans were met with fierce local opposition as a number of individuals and groups (such as the Pennsylvania Land Use Coalition) attempted to halt the plans to replace the bridge and negotiate a comprehensive preservation plan for the bridge. Their efforts slowed the process of replacement down, but were ultimately unsuccessful, and the bridge was demolished. The contractor who demolished the bridge had trouble removing the structure and and commented that they thought the bridge could have stood for another hundred years.
The only positive result was that PennDOT did agree to mitigate the demolition of the bridge by salvaging the original truss webs from the bridge which they will place on the new bridge as decorations. This is a rather poor solution in a preservation sense, yet it is far better that destroying 100% of the original bridge material as seen in a traditional demolition project.
This bridge is tagged with the following special condition(s): Trusses Converted To Decorative
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.