HistoricBridges.org Menu: HistoricBridges.org Menu:


We Recommend:
Bach Steel - Experts at historic truss bridge restoration.

HistoricBridges.org: Bridge Browser

Zettlemoyer's Bridge

Zettlemoyer's Bridge

Primary Photographer(s): Elaine Deutsch

Bridge Documented: February 18, 2013

View Photos
and Videos
View Maps
and Links

Facility Carried / Feature Intersected
Long Road (TR-787) Over Maiden Creek
Location
Rural: Berks County, Pennsylvania: United States
Construction Date and Builder / Engineer
1904 By Builder/Contractor: Unknown and Engineer/Design: Dreibelbis and Company
Rehabilitation Date
2020
Main Span Length
152.0 Feet (46.3 Meters)
Structure Length
154.0 Feet (46.9 Meters)
Roadway Width
17 Feet (5.18 Meters)
Spans
1 Main Span(s)
Inventory Number
5369

Historic Significance Rating (HSR)
View Information About HSR Ratings

Bridge Documentation

This bridge is an attractive pin-connected truss bridge. Bridges like this were once common, but thanks to demolition have become increasingly rare in Pennsylvania. Thus, statements that bridges like this are "not historic" by the Historic Bridge Inventory should be re-evaluated. Fortunately, for this bridge, it was reevaluated and found to be historic. And, rare for Pennsylvania, a full rehabilitation of this bridge was developed and completed in 2020, in the first rehabilitation of the bridge since 1958. In a special deal, Berks County agreed to rehabilitate the bridge, with the agreement that after rehab, ownership of the bridge would be turned over to Greenwich Township. As such, both the county and township deserve to be thanked for their roles in finding a preservation solution for this bridge.

The Historic Bridge Inventory describes the Dreibelbis and Company as the "fabricator" of the bridge, but based on review of other bridges associated with this firm (plus the fact that they are listed as "engineers" on the plaque), the company likely only designed bridges, and other firms fabricated and erected them. Thus the actual builder is unknown.

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

Above: Bridge before rehabilitation.

Above: Photo of bridge after rehabilitation. Click for enlargement. Photo Credit: McCormick Taylor, Inc.

Above: Photo of bridge after rehabilitation. Click for enlargement. Photo Credit: McCormick Taylor, Inc.

Above: Photo of bridge after rehabilitation. Click for enlargement. Photo Credit: McCormick Taylor, Inc.

Above: Photo of bridge after rehabilitation. Click for enlargement. Photo Credit: McCormick Taylor, Inc.

Above: Photo of bridge after rehabilitation. Click for enlargement. Photo Credit: McCormick Taylor, Inc.

Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Historic Bridge Inventory

Discussion of Bridge

The 9-panel, 154'-long, pin-connected, Pratt thru truss bridge was built in 1904. It is supported on concrete abutments. The trusses are traditionally composed, and they have no innovative or distinctive details. Instead of the U-shaped hanger, rolled section floorbeams are connected to the pins by riveted pin plates at the ends of the floorbeams. The detail is not uncommon for the period, and it is not innovative or distinctive. It is one of two similar bridges by the fabricator in the county (06 7215 0761 9463 dates to 1905). The bridge is a later example of its type, and it is not historically or technologically significant.

Discussion of Surrounding Area

The bridge carries one lane of a 2 lane road over a stream in a sparsely developed, forested setting. It is immediately east of SR 143. There are seasonal cottages and modern cottages in the area, which does not have the consistency or cohesiveness to be a historic district.

Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: No

Divider

Photo Galleries and Videos: Zettlemoyer's Bridge

 

View Photo Gallery

Bridge Photo-Documentation

Original / Full Size Photos
A collection of overview and detail photos. This gallery offers photos in the highest available resolution and file size in a touch-friendly popup viewer.
Alternatively, Browse Without Using Viewer

Divider

View Photo Gallery

Bridge Photo-Documentation

Mobile Optimized Photos
A collection of overview and detail photos. This gallery features data-friendly, fast-loading photos in a touch-friendly popup viewer.
Alternatively, Browse Without Using Viewer

Divider

Maps and Links: Zettlemoyer's 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.

Additional Maps:

Google Maps

Google Streetview (If Available)

Bing Maps

OpenStreetMap

GeoHack (Additional Links and Coordinates)

Apple Maps (Via DuckDuckGo Search)

Apple Maps (Apple devices only)

MapQuest

HERE We Go Maps

ACME Mapper

Waze Map

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)


Divider
 
Home Top

Divider

About - Contact

© 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.

Admin Login

Divider