Mercer Street Bridge

Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Historic Bridge Inventory

Discussion of Bridge

The 1936, riveted, single span, 221'-long, Parker thru truss bridge is supported on concrete abutments with flared, stepped wingwalls. Built to a state highway department standard design, the bridge is an example of a common technology with no innovative or distinctive details. It was part of the rebuilding efforts following the devastating 1936 St. Patrick's Day flood. Over 275 bridges, mostly in the western and central portions of Pennsylvania, were destroyed or damaged beyond repair. To replace them the department turned to established technologies like riveted metal truss bridges, which had been used in the state since about 1900. The bridge is neither historically nor technologically significant.

Discussion of Surrounding Area

The bridge carries a 2 lane street over a stream on the south edge of Meadville, southeast of the National Register-listed Meadville Downtown Historic District. The bridge is separated from it by an area dominated by post-WW II commercial and industrial development along SR 19. To the north are a parking lot and a 1960s office building. To the south is a neighborhood of undistinguished, predominantly early 20th century houses with scattered commercial buildings. Most houses have modern siding and altered windows. The area adjacent to the bridge does not have historic district potential.

Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: No