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This bridge was a relatively early example of a truss bridge with riveted connections, given the 1907-1911 construction date suggested by the Historic Bridge Inventory. HistoricBridges.org believes that the demolition of bridges like this across Pennsylvania has resulted in a need for a vast reevaluation of bridges like this, previously found Ineligible for the National Register of Historic Places. This bridge has now become an entry on the list of such bridges demolished in Pennsylvania. Bridges like this which remain in Pennsylvania and retain integrity should be considered historic, however this is not the case as the current dated historic bridge inventory continues stands as the official assessment.
Prior to demolition and replacement, the North Main Street Bridge had been closed to traffic. The bridge exhibited an unusually high amount of deterioration, including heavy section loss on the bottom chord and floorbeam, and also near the bottom of some vertical members. While these are often trouble spots on a truss bridge that can be repaired, the deterioration was markedly greater and more widespread than usual. It is not clear why this bridge was so deteriorated. The concrete abutments showed heavy spalling as well. But was complete demolition and replacement really the only option with this bridge? Rather than being completely demolished and replaced with an ugly slab of concrete, it would have been nice to see the trusses of this bridge on North Main Street perhaps salvaged and placed on the replacement bridge as decorations.
Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Historic Bridge InventoryDiscussion of Bridge The single span, 88'-long, rivet-connected Warren with verticals pony truss bridge built between 1907 and 1911 is supported on one stone abutment and one concrete abutment, placed ca. 1925. The truss has all built-up members of standard steel sections. Rolled floorbeams and stringers support a timber deck. Stock lattice railings are set to the interior faces of the trusses. The Warren truss type/design, patented in 1848, emerged as one of the most commonly used truss designs after 1895 because of advances in metallurgy and improvements in field pneumatic riveting. Over 125 examples from the late 1870s to 1950s have been identified in the state. This 1907-11 example has no noteworthy or unusual features or details. It is not an early or significant example of the work of the Penn Bridge Co., which was very active in the eastern United States from the 1870s to 1930s. Nor is it significant for its historic association with the 1895 state bridge act, a relatively ineffective law that provided funding for rebuilding county-owned bridges from 1895 to 1923. The bridge is not historically or technologically distinguished by its setting or context. Discussion of Surrounding Area The bridge carries a 2 lane road over a stream in a sparsely developed, forested setting. The setting does not appear to have historic district potential. Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: No |
This historic bridge has been demolished. This map is shown for reference purposes only.
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