Water Street Bridge

Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Historic Bridge Inventory

Discussion of Bridge

The 1-span, 42'-long reinforced concrete arch bridge built in 1915 has been altered by replacement tubular metal railings (ca. 1970). An uncommon feature is the variable depth of the arch barrel, which is shallower for the sidewalks. It is an original detail to save material and not a later alteration. The bridge is not an early or innovative example of a bridge type that was in widespread use by the 1910s, but it is located in a NR-listed historic district and it is from the district's period of significance. The Glen Rock Historic District nomination identifies the bridge as noncontributing based on an incorrect date of construction of ca. 1970 (probably based on a visual inspection of the metal railings). The arch bridge, however, is clearly an earlier structure, and the date of 1915 provided by PADOT BMS and inspection files is appropriate. The bridge has been altered by loss of the railings, and although not individually distinguished, it retains its original arch profile and contributes to the character and significance of its setting. It is evaluated a contributing resource.

Discussion of Surrounding Area

The bridge carries a 2 lane street and 2 sidewalks over a stream in a setting of predominantly 19th and early 20th century commercial, civic, and residential buildings in Glen Rock. The bridge is in the NR-listed Glen Rock Historic District (5/30/97).

Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes