Churchill Road Bridge

Most Recent Visit To Bridge: July 3, 2006

Despite the fact that Pennsylvania has lots of large rivers, as well as lots of metal truss bridges compared to other states like Michigan, the number of remaining multi-span pin connected Pratt through truss bridges has dwindled to an alarming low. As such, the preservation of this bridge should be persued. This bridge has two spans of differing age. The span at the north end of the bridge appears to be older, based on the lightweight members. The southern end is dated 1914 by the plaque, and although it is still a pin connected, the members a a bit more massive.

Someone has made off with the "elaborate scroll-design fill" that the historic bridge inventory entry mentions. Oddly, though those appear to have been on the older north span, as I only noticed empty bolt/rivet holes on that bracing. You would think the inventory people would notice that one span was newer than the other, and the fancy knee bracing was not on both spans. The north span is unlikely a product of this engineer Thomas Gilkey that is shown on the plaque of the newer south span.

Also, while the inventory shoots down Thomas Gilkey's efforts in Lawrence County, I would like to suggest that because the newer span of this bridge is associated with Gilkey that it is significant as an example of how bridge design in Lawrence County unfolded in the early 20th century. Because of Gilkey, Lawrence County was building different types of bridges than most places were in the 1910s. Thomas Gilkey also designed the large Mahoning Avenue Viaduct, and likely the Mill Street Bridge in New Castle.

Also, I am curious how old the older span is on the Churchill Road Bridge. It might be pre-1900, and more significant than the inventory suggests. By the way, some maps show Churchill Road as Church Hill Road, but the sign said Churchill. There is actually a church on a hill on this road just south of this bridge where Churchill Road overpasses US-224! The old concrete overpass there is somewhat interesting as well, although I lacked the luxury of time to photo it.