Spring Grove Bridge

Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Historic Bridge Inventory

Discussion of Bridge

The 2 span, 135'-long, 3-ribbed reinforced concrete deck arch bridge built in 1923 has paneled concrete parapets and is supported on concrete abutments and pier. A cantilevered sidewalk with standard state highway department metal railing has been added to the upstream side (1958). Reinforced concrete arch bridges began appearing in numbers in Pennsylvania during the first decade of the 20th century, and by the early 1910s they were ubiquitous. The use of ribs is a savings of material but it requires extra formwork. An early example of a closed spandrel ribbed arch bridge is the 1907-1909 Mulberry St. viaduct in Harrisburg (BMS# 22 3012 0080 0233). By 1923, the construction of a ribbed closed spandrel arch bridge was not historically or technologically significant. The bridge is not distinguished by its setting or context.

Discussion of Surrounding Area

The bridge carries a 2 lane highway and a sidewalk over a stream in an industrial setting. To the southeast quadrant is a modern water treatment facility, and to the southwest quadrant is a parking lot. To the north is the Glatfelter Paper Co. with a large modern warehouse to the northeast quadrant, and an early 20th century brick building to the northwest quadrant. The bridge is not in the Spring Grove H.D. (NR-listed 5/25/84), which is separated from the bridge by the paper mill. The district encompasses the residential and commercial areas to the north of mill. The paper mill was not included in the district due to its scale and significant alterations.

Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: No