Garrett Mill Road Bridge

Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Historic Bridge Inventory

Discussion of Bridge

The one-span, 43'-long, welded pony truss bridge built in 1933 is composed of rolled steel sections. It is supported on a concrete abutment at its south end, and a stone abutment at its north end. Bearings and concrete bridge seats were replaced in 1993. At the same time, an open steel grid deck and tubular metal railings were placed. The 1933 bridge is entirely within the boundaries and dates from the 1700-1940 period of significance of the Okehocking Indian Land Grant HD. According to county records, the welded steel Pratt truss was designed by the county engineer and fabricated by county maintenance forces. Welded connections were developed and first applied to structural steel in the late 1910s. Primarily used for steel-frame buildings, welding was also used in a limited fashion for truss highway bridges beginning in the late 1920s. The county engineer reported that he built several welded truss bridges as an expedient during the 1930s using the county's maintenance crews, a welding kit, and stock structural steel shapes. The bridges were simple, economical, and did not require the services of an outside contractor. An example of a bridge type and design used during the Depression by the county, the bridge is historically related to changes in the agricultural landscape during the final decade of the district's period of significance. Although not rated in the district's 1993 nomination, the bridge is evaluated as a contributing resource.

Discussion of Surrounding Area

The bridge carries a 2 lane road over a stream in the Okehocking Indian Land Grant HD. The district comprises a relatively undeveloped rural area in southern Willistown Twp. The dates of significance are from 1700 to 1940. The district is significant for the many well preserved vernacular buildings and farmsteads.

Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes