View Information About HSR Ratings
This bridge features the distinctive designs that the Columbia Bridge Works employed in its construction. Their bridges can be concisely be described as "weird" in that nearly everything on them tends to be a bit unusual, from connections, to chords, to members, etc. The most common characteristic of the Columbia Bridge Works, and which is shown here in the Rockingham bridge, was the company's early use of rolled beams for major members and chords instead of built-up beams, something extremely unusual for the late 1800s. This practice was not common on truss bridges until the 1920s, and even then, built-up beams were still quite common.
This pony truss also features unusual bolted connection design. This design was sometimes used by other companies at the end posts, but even this was unusual. The extensive use of this connection type as seen on this bridge is quite rare. Finally, the bottom chord is composed of steel plate design, something not found on bridges built by other builders.
This bridge is significant for its unusual design that associates it with a noteworthy company. It is also significant as a bridge that includes not only wrought iron, but cast iron parts as well.
Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Historic Bridge InventoryDiscussion of Bridge The one-span, 57'-long, wrought- and cast-iron Pratt pony truss bridge is supported on stone abutments. The chords and verticals are composed of I-beams. The lower chords are bars with bolted lap-joint splices. The diagonals are wrought iron rods. The bridge members are joined by a combination of pin connections and compression fittings. The verticals are compression fittings with cast-iron pieces at the top and lower chord connections. In 1967 the open grid steel deck was placed, and the floorbeams received welded cover plates. The ca. 1885 bridge is a rare and complete example of a cast- and wrought-iron truss bridge. It is historically and technologically significant. Based on the details, especially the use of rolled wrought-iron I beams for the compression members and the distinctive lower chord bars with bolted lap-joint splices, the bridge is attributed to the Columbia Bridge Works of Dayton, OH. Discussion of Surrounding Area The bridge carries 1 lane of a township road over a stream in a sparsely developed, rural area with scattered 20th century houses and trailers approximately .2 miles west of SR 160. Bisecting the road at grade just west of the bridge is a single active Conrail (former Pennsylvania RR) branch line. The area does not have historic district potential. Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes |
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.
Additional Maps:
Google Streetview (If Available)
GeoHack (Additional Links and Coordinates)
Apple Maps (Via DuckDuckGo Search)
Apple Maps (Apple devices only)
Android: Open Location In Your Map or GPS App
Flickr Gallery (Find Nearby Photos)
Wikimedia Commons (Find Nearby Photos)
Directions Via Sygic For Android
Directions Via Sygic For iOS and Android Dolphin Browser
USGS National Map (United States Only)
Historical USGS Topo Maps (United States Only)
Historic Aerials (United States Only)
CalTopo Maps (United States Only)
© Copyright 2003-2024, HistoricBridges.org. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer: HistoricBridges.org is a volunteer group of private citizens. HistoricBridges.org is NOT a government agency, does not represent or work with any governmental agencies, nor is it in any way associated with any government agency or any non-profit organization. While we strive for accuracy in our factual content, HistoricBridges.org offers no guarantee of accuracy. Information is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. Information could include technical inaccuracies or errors of omission. Opinions and commentary are the opinions of the respective HistoricBridges.org member who made them and do not necessarily represent the views of anyone else, including any outside photographers whose images may appear on the page in which the commentary appears. HistoricBridges.org does not bear any responsibility for any consequences resulting from the use of this or any other HistoricBridges.org information. Owners and users of bridges have the responsibility of correctly following all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, regardless of any HistoricBridges.org information.
