Meadow View Road Bridge

Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Historic Bridge Inventory

Discussion of Bridge

The single span, 42'-long, metal Pratt pony truss bridge built ca. 1890 is supported on stone abutments. The truss is composed of built-up compression members and eye bar and rod tension members. It is pin connected with the exception of cast iron connecting pieces at the upper chord-end post connections, a detail associated with Wrought Iron Bridge Co. pony truss bridges. U-shaped hangers support rolled section floorbeams carrying steel stringers and an open steel grid deck placed ca. 1980. Original railings have been lost and replaced by W-beam guide railings. The bridge is a historically and technologically significant example of its type/design by an important late 19th century fabricator. The Wrought Iron Bridge Co. of Canton, OH, was among the best known and most successful builders to establish a national market for its bridges. The company was very active in York County during the last two decades of the 19th century.

Discussion of Surrounding Area

The bridge carries a 2 lane road over a stream in a rural setting of active farms and scattered late 19th to late 20th century residences approximately 400' east of the crossroads village of Clear Spring. At the northwest quadrant is a mid 20th century commercial building. Approximately 150' to the west is a farm complex with early 20th century barn and late 19th century brick residence. The eastern quadrants are wooded. The setting does not have the cohesiveness or integrity of a historic district.

Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes