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Key Facts |
Bridge Name | Type | Road | Location | City | Crossing |
| Dotter Road Bridge | Truss | Dotter Road | Venango County, PA | Rural | Mill Creek |
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Technical Facts |
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Construction Date |
Structure Length | Deck Width | Builder |
| c. 1885 | 62 Feet | 16.1 Feet | Smith Bridge Company of Toledo, Ohio |
This bridge is next to the Dotter Road Railroad Bridge. This bridge is the product of the Smith Bridge Company, and similarities in the design of this bridge can be seen in their TR-38 Bridge in Ohio. Note in particular the similarities in the vertical member design. The Dotter Road Bridge is a four panel pin connected half-hip Pratt pony truss. The deck is wooden. An original pole railing is present on the bridge, although it appears to have been cut off at the ends. The bridge is skewed.
This bridge is located in a very scenic wooded area. Mill Creek is a small, stone-filled stream that runs into the Allegheny River a short distance west of this bridge.
Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Historic Bridge InventoryDiscussion of Bridge The ca. 1885, skewed, pin connected, single span, 62'-long, Pratt pony truss bridge is supported on ashlar abutments with wingwalls. The traditionally composed trusses have built up upper chords, end posts, and verticals. The lower chords and diagonals are eye bars. It was fabricated by the Smith Bridge Company, and the bridge is distinguished as an early and complete example of its type and design. There are 3 Smith Bridge Co. truss bridges in the county, and all are significant. Discussion of Surrounding Area The bridge carries 1 lane of an unimproved road over a stream in a sparsely developed, forested setting. Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes |
