|
 |
|
| Key Facts |
| Bridge Name | Facility Carried / Feature Intersected | Location | Structure Type | Construction Date and Builder/Engineer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ! |
Wabash Road Bridge
| Wabash Road Over Cocalico Creek | Rural: Lancaster County, Pennsylvania | Metal 10 Panel Rivet-Connected Warren Pony Truss, Fixed | 1936 By Builder/Contractor: Unknown |
| Technical Facts |
| Main Span Length | Structure Length | Roadway Width | Main Spans | NBI Number |
| 102 Feet (31.1 Meters) | 104 Feet (31.7 Meters) | 19.4 Feet (5.9 Meters) | 1 | 36721006690503 |
This bridge is a somewhat late example of a metal truss highway bridge in Pennsylvania. Most truss bridges being built by the 1930s were built to a state standard plan. This bridge does not appear to conform to a state standard plan, however, and instead appears to be a county-designed bridge. This is not the only example of this style and vintage truss in Lancaster County, further evidence that this was a county design.
Lancaster County is unusual because it has far more covered bridges (all preserved) than metal truss bridges, even though covered bridges are from an older era, and are not built of materials that are more durable than a metal truss bridge. The rust on this truss indicates that a preservation commitment is not in place for this bridge. The outdated "not historic" finding for this bridge by the Historic Bridge Inventory needs to be rejected, and this historic bridge should be restored and preserved just like the dozens of covered bridges in this county.
Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Historic Bridge InventoryDiscussion of Bridge The single span, 104'-long, rivet-connected Warren with verticals pony truss bridge built in 1936 is supported on concrete abutments with flared wingwalls. The truss members are builtup of standard steel sections. Channel railings are set to the inside faces of the trusses. Rolled floorbeams and stringers carry an open steel grid deck. The bridge has been altered by steel plate welded to the lower chords, upper chords, inclined end posts, and gusset plates (ca. 1970). The Warren truss design emerged as one of the most commonly used truss designs after 1895 because of advances in metallurgy and the mid-1890s improvements to field pneumatic riveting. The result was a rapid shift from pinned to riveted connections and the Warren design was particularly well suited for rigid connections. Over 125 examples of the type/design have been identified in the state from the late 1890s to 1956. This late example has no noteworthy features or details. It has been altered by welded repairs. 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 rural area of active farms and scattered late 20th century residences. At the eastern quadrant is an altered mid 19th century vernacular farmhouse. At the southwest quadrant is a modern light industrial building. The setting does not have the cohesiveness or integrity of a historic district. Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes |
Click on a thumbnail or gallery name below to visit that particular photo gallery. If videos are available, click on a video name to view and/or download that particular video.
|
Bridge Photo-Documentation
Original / Full Size Photos |
A collection of overview and detail photos. For the best visual immersion and full detail, or for use as a desktop background, this gallery presents the photos for this bridge in the original digital camera resolution. |
|
|
Bridge Photo-Documentation
Mobile Optimized Gallery |
A collection of overview and detail photos. View the photos for this bridge in a reduced size which is useful for mobile/smartphone users, modem
(dial-up) users, or those who do not wish to wait for the longer
download times of the full-size photos. Alternatively, view this photo gallery using a popup slideshow viewer (great for mobile users) by clicking the link below.
Browse Gallery With Popup Viewer |
© Copyright 2003-2013, 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 of bridges have the responsibility of correctly following all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, regardless of any HistoricBridges.org information.
