State Street Bridge

Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Historic Bridge Inventory

Discussion of Bridge

The single span, 37'-long encased steel stringer bridge built in 1921 is supported on concrete abutments with wingwalls. The bridge is finished with metal lattice railings with paneled concrete posts. Luminaires have been lost and the posts capped with cement. The stringer encasement has a paneled fascia. Concrete encasement is spalling from the bottom flanges of the beams. Concrete encasement was favored in the state because it provided protection for the steel and eliminated the need to periodically paint the beams. Encased steel stringer bridges from before 1910 are not uncommon, and this later 1921 example has no distinguishing features. Decorative lattice railings are not noteworthy and are found with all types of bridges from the 1890s through the 1930s. An undistinguished example of one of the most common, mid-20th century bridge types and designs in the state, it is one of over 630

Discussion of Surrounding Area

The bridge carries a 2 lane road and 2 sidewalks over a stream on the west side of Avondale. Northwest of the bridge is an open field, and at the southwest quadrant are a forested lot and a late-20th-century residence. At the bridge's southeast quadrant is a modern water pumping station. At the northeast quadrant are a row of four late-19th to early 20th century vernacular frame dwellings with replacement siding, porch posts, and fenestration. The setting does not appear to have the architectural integrity or cohesiveness of resources to merit historic district potential.

Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: No