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Penn Street Bridge

Penn Street Viaduct

Penn Street Bridge

Primary Photographer(s): Nathan Holth and Rick McOmber

Bridge Documented: May 30, 2010

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Location
Reading: Berks County, Pennsylvania: United States
Structure Type
Concrete Open Spandrel Deck Arch, Fixed and Approach Spans: Concrete Open Spandrel Deck Arch, Fixed
Construction Date and Builder / Engineer
1913 By Builder/Contractor: L. H. Focht and Son and Engineer/Design: Benjamin Herman Davis
Rehabilitation Date
1958
Main Span Length
110.0 Feet (33.5 Meters)
Structure Length
1,337.0 Feet (407.5 Meters)
Roadway Width
55 Feet (16.76 Meters)
Spans
5 Main Span(s) and 22 Approach Span(s)
Inventory Number
6342200501036

Historic Significance Rating (HSR)
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Bridge Documentation

View Archived National Bridge Inventory Report - Has Additional Details and Evaluation

This beautiful bridge forms a gateway and centerpiece for east-west travel in and out of Reading. Constructed in 1913, the bridge is a relatively old surviving example of its kind, and it retains good historic integrity including original ornate concrete railings. The five main spans are open spandrel arches, and the oldest examples in Berks County of this bridge type. The National Bridge Inventory lists 22 approach spans, but 9 of those are closed spandrel arch spans. Given its integrity, age, size, and function as a centerpiece for the city this bridge should receive a high level of preservation priority.

Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Historic Bridge Inventory

Discussion of Bridge

The 14 span, 1,336'-long viaduct is composed of 5 ribbed open spandrel arch spans with a 110' clear span and 9 closed spandrel arch approach spans. They have a 48' long clear span. The open spandrel spans have three ribs given the 80' width of the bridge, which is finished with handsome reticulated-pattern balustrades. The bridge was built in 1913, and it is the oldest of the 12 open spandrel arch bridges in the county. Penn Street is Reading's main east-west street, and the bridge is an excellent and complete example of the City Beautiful philosophy. It is historically and technologically significant.

Discussion of Surrounding Area

The bridge carries a 4-lane city street and sidewalks over the river and the former right-of-way of the Reading RR on the east (Reading) side. The tracks have been removed, and the old buildings in downtown Reading were removed as part of an urban renewal program. The area has been redeveloped with modern high-rise buildings along the east side. The west end is part of the interchange with US 422.

Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes

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Photo Galleries and Videos: Penn Street Bridge

 

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Bridge Photo-Documentation

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Bridge Photo-Documentation

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A collection of overview and detail photos. This gallery features data-friendly, fast-loading photos in a touch-friendly popup viewer.
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Maps and Links: Penn Street Bridge

Coordinates (Latitude, Longitude):

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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