| Key Facts |
| Bridge Name | Facility Carried / Feature Intersected | Location | Structure Type | Construction Date / Builder or Contractor |
| Bender Bridge | Bender Bridge Road Over Elk Lick Creek | Rural: Somerset County, Pennsylvania | Metal Pinned Pratt Half-Hip Pony Truss, Stationary | 1885 By: Penn Bridge Company of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania |
| Technical Facts |
| Rehabilitation Date | Structure Length | Roadway Width | Main Spans | Approach Spans |
| 1993 | 48 Feet (14.6 Meters) | 13 Feet (4 Meters) | 1 | None |
This small three panel pony truss is noteworthy as a relatively old and documented example of work done by an important Pennsylvania bridge company, the Penn Bridge Company. It does feature some alterations. Even so, this bridge is considered, even by the conservative Pennsylvania Historic Bridge Inventory, to be a noteworthy structure.
Often, historic bridges are not located in areas that are designated or considered potential historic districts. This bridge is an exception, and is located in a potential historic district. This should increase the importance of considering preservation for this bridge.
Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Historic Bridge InventoryDiscussion of Bridge The 48'-long, 3 panel, pin-connected, Pratt pony truss bridge was built in 1885 by the Penn Bridge Works of Beaver Falls, PA. It is supported on ashlar abutments with flared, stepped wingwalls. The substructure is concrete capped. In 1993 the bridge was rehabilitated, at which time the bearings were encased in concrete, and 2 inclined endposts and 1 vertical member were repaired with bolted splice plates. In spite of the modifications, because of its age and documentation, the bridge is significant as an early example of a pin-connected Pratt pony truss bridge. It is also significant because it is a contributing resource to a potential rural historic district. Discussion of Surrounding Area The bridge carries 1 lane of an unimproved township road on a horizontal curve over Elk Lick Creek in a wooded area surrounded by active farms near the village of Summit Mills. The bridge is located in, and contributes to the character of, a potential rural historic district around Summit Mills with a period of significance through 1947. The area consists of fields, pastures, and high meadows. There are mid- to late-19th century structures including a sawmill, church, and schoolhouse at Summit Mills. Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes |
