| Key Facts |
| Bridge Name | Facility Carried / Feature Intersected | Location | Structure Type | Construction Date / Builder or Contractor |
| Kelley Bridge Curt Wright Road Bridge |
Curt Wright Road Over Towanda Creek | Rural: Bradford County, Pennsylvania | Metal Pinned Pratt Through Truss, Stationary | 1892 By: Pittsburgh Bridge Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Nelson and Buchanan Agents |
| Technical Facts |
| Rehabilitation Date | Structure Length | Roadway Width | Bridge Width | Main Spans | Approach Spans |
| 1962 | 123 Feet (37.5 Meters) | 12.5 Feet (3.8 Meters) | 14 Feet (4.26 Meters) | 1 | None |
This bridge appears to be a very complete and excellent example of the distinctive style truss bridge that the Pittsburgh Bridge Company and its agents, Nelson and Buchannan built throughout Pennsylvania in the 1890s. The company marketed these bridges which featured unusual floor beam connection detail at the lower ends of the verticals. They also all had the same style lattice portal bracing, as well as the style of lateral bracing connection on the sway bracing. Another detail to look for with their bridges is the tiny metal clip folded over the top of the end post and top chord.
Among the examples of this bridge builder's work that survive, this appears to be one of the most complete examples, and is also one of the few in this particular region of the state.
This bridge is also situated in a rather scenic setting, with an impressive ridge present south of the bridge, making for some excellent photos.
Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Historic Bridge InventoryDiscussion of Bridge The one span, 123'-long, pin connected Pratt thru truss bridge dated to 1892 is supported on a stone and a concrete abutment. The truss members are traditionally composed, but the floorbeams are framed into the lower ends of the verticals rather than suspended from the lower panel point pins. The eye bar lower chords are pin connected and connected to the verticals by pin plates. With the exception of the 1962 redoing for the stringers and deck, the bridge is complete, and it ranks as one of the good early examples of the important bridge type in the region. The bridge is historically and technologically significant. Discussion of Surrounding Area The single lane bridge carries an unimproved township road over a stream in an area of farms. There are fields in the flood plain on the south side of the bridge. Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes
Information From Skelly and Loy Demolition Mitigation WebsiteThe Kelley Bridge also known as County Bridge Number 16 is dated to 1892 and is one span. Prefabricated by the Pittsburgh Bridge Company and erected by Nelson and Buchanan, this pin connected Pratt thru truss bridge is 123’ long and supported on one stone and one concrete abutment. The floorbeams are framed into the lower ends of the verticals and the truss members are conventionally constructed. The lower chords are eye bars and are pin connected to the verticals by pin plates. This bridge has been determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. |
