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Poor Farm Bridge

Orchard Trail Bridge

Primary Photographer(s): Nathan Holth

Bridge Documented: May 22, 2021

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Bridge Documentation

This classic riveted pony truss has been left in place for pedestrian use with low-cost repairs enabling this. The owner of the bridge had a very limited budget so repairs on the bridge are minimal with steel beams added to help support the bridge. The alterations are reversible so the outcome is good given the limited budget, and the door remains open for full restoration if desired or feasible in the future. The interpretive signage for the bridge explains the repairs in an honest and clear manner which is nice to see too. Overall this is a rare example of bridge preservation in Pennsylvania.

This bridge was used to gain entrance to the Shawmut Grade Railroad facilities and to the County owned fields that were operated by the Poor Farm. A blog on the Internet suggests it may have been built at the same time as the poor farm, in 1895. If so, it is one of Pennsylvania's older rivet-connected trusses surviving today. The floorbeams appear to be riveted and built-up which would lend support to this earlier-than-expected construction date.

Length given is an extremely rough estimate.

 

This bridge is tagged with the following special condition(s): Unorganized Photos

Photo Galleries and Videos: Poor Farm Bridge

 

Bridge Photo-Documentation

Original / Full Size Photos
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Bridge Photo-Documentation

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Additional Unorganized Photos

Original / Full Size Photos
A supplemental collection of photos that are from additional visit(s) to the bridge and have not been organized or captioned. This gallery offers photos in the highest available resolution and file size in a touch-friendly popup viewer.
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Additional Unorganized Photos

Mobile Optimized Photos
A supplemental collection of photos that are from additional visit(s) to the bridge and have not been organized or captioned. This gallery features data-friendly, fast-loading photos in a touch-friendly popup viewer.
Alternatively, Browse Without Using Viewer

Maps and Links: Poor Farm Bridge

Coordinates (Latitude, Longitude):
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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.

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