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| Key Facts |
| Bridge Name | Facility Carried / Feature Intersected | Location | Structure Type | Construction Date and Builder/Engineer | |
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Cumberland Highway Bridge
| Cumberland Highway (PA-160) Over Buffalo Creek | Rural: Somerset County, Pennsylvania | Stone Segmental Deck Arch, Fixed | 1905 By Builder/Contractor: Unknown |
| Technical Facts |
| Rehabilitation Date | Main Span Length | Structure Length | Roadway Width | Main Spans | NBI Number |
| 1935 | 30 Feet (9.1 Meters) | 38 Feet (11.6 Meters) | 26 Feet (7.9 Meters) | 1 | 550160034013640 |
This bridge is an attractive stone arch bridge that might be considered an unexpected find, since it is located on a fairly well-traveled state highway that includes heavy truck traffic. The bridge may seem a bit wide for a 1905 bridge, but the truth is that it was not always this wide. The bridge was widened in 1935 with concrete. So today, half of the bridge is technically a concrete arch bridge. However, when the bridge was widened, the stones from that end of the bridge were set in front of the concrete, so the bridge continues to have the exact appearance it always did, only a bit wider.
The bridge is today an important example of stone arch technology in southwestern Pennsylvania, despite the 1935 alteration. The continued structural soundness of the stone arches showcase the excellent workmanship behind the bridge.
Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Historic Bridge InventoryDiscussion of Bridge The 38'-long stone arch bridge was built ca. 1905 with a 19.5' width. It was extended by 11.5' by adding a reinforced concrete arch on the downstream side in 1935. The original spandrel wall and ring stones were carefully reused to finish the extension giving the bridge its original appearance on both elevations. The bridge is 1 of 7 similar handsome ashlar stone arch bridges in the county built between ca. 1905 and ca. 1915. It is technologically significant as one of the earliest, and it is historically significant as a contributing resource to a potential Brothers Valley rural historic district with a period of significance through 1947. Discussion of Surrounding Area The bridge carries a 2 lane road with shoulders over a stream in a pristine agricultural area in Brothers Valley. Beyond the bridge is a late-19th century farmstead with mid-20th century outbuildings. The bridge is located in, and contributes to the character of, a potential rural historic district with a period of significance through 1947. Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes |
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