| Key Facts |
| Bridge Name | Facility Carried / Feature Intersected | Location | Structure Type | Construction Date / Builder or Contractor |
| Caneadea Bridge | CR-46 Over Genesee River | Caneadea: Allegany County, New York | Metal Pinned Camelback Through Truss, Stationary | 1903 By: Groton Bridge Company of Groton, New York |
| Technical Facts |
| Structure Length | Roadway Width | Main Spans | Approach Spans |
| 0 Feet (0 Meters) | 0 Feet (0 Meters) | 1 | None |
By strict definition this bridge is a camelback, containing a five part top chord. However, since most of the parts occur near the end post, this bridge has an appearance unlike nearly all camelback bridges encountered. For all intents and purposes it makes little sense to compare the design of this bridge to a standard pin-connected camelback truss bridge. This very long single span bridge contains sixteen panels. It is an impressive structure, with ornate builder plaques and portal decoration.
This bridge is an extremely important bridge because for its long length, unusual design, and association with a noted bridge company, the Groton Bridge Company of Groton, New York.
This bridge was rehabilitated, and while the complete flooring system was replaced, which represents a significant alteration and reduction in historic integrity, the remainder of the bridge, including the complete truss web, appears to retain an excellent degree of historic integrity. Other work included approach work, abutment replacement. Cables were added to the bottom chord, between the original eye bars, which still remain. The fact that the bridge remains in its original location, continuing to serve light vehicular traffic, is an important positive aspect of the chosen preservation undertaken for this bridge. While certainly, maintaining historic integrity is the top priority in truss bridge preservation, it sometimes makes sense to sacrifice some historic integrity to keep a bridge open to vehicular traffic. Many restorations focus on restoration for pedestrian use only, and it is good to see that some rehabilitation projects break from this and instead allow for continued vehicular use. This is important both because driving across a truss bridge can be a fun experience, but also because it allows the bridges to be used the way they were originally intended. It will give future generations proof that these bridges indeed were built to carry more than just bike paths!
