| Key Facts |
| Bridge Name | Facility Carried / Feature Intersected | Location | Structure Type | Construction Date / Builder or Contractor |
| Kiefel Bridge "Green Bridge" |
Green Bridge Road (Quemahoning Dam Road) Over Quemahoning Creek | Rural: Somerset County, Pennsylvania | Metal Riveted Warren Pony Truss, Stationary | 1913 By: Unknown |
| Technical Facts |
| Rehabilitation Date | Structure Length | Roadway Width | Main Spans | Approach Spans |
| 1991 | 171 Feet (52.1 Meters) | 16.4 Feet (5 Meters) | 2 | None |
The name of this road the bridge is on varies based on what map you look at. The name Green Bridge may be a more recent nickname based on the paint color of this bridge. The Kiefel Bridge name is likely the more historic name.
Pony truss bridges composed of members and chords that were riveted angles were common in Michigan and Ontario in the earlier 20th century. They were an alternative to the more massive and common truss bridges with built-up box beam top chords. Relatively fewer examples of this design appear to remain in Pennsylvania. This bridge is significant for having good historic integrity and coming in an uncommon multi-span configuration. Multi-span pony trusses are usually uncommon. The setting of the bridge is attractive as well, providing a scenic view of the reservoir and surrounding hills.
It is unclear why the bridge and reservoir were not considered historic for their association with the steel industry. Perhaps in light of the disappearing examples of these bridges and steel industry remnants this review should be re-evaluated.
Some additional food for thought in the concepts behind determining that makes something historic is beauty. In general, beauty and aesthetics are not a major consideration when governments decide whether a bridge is historic or not. However with bridges, it is worth noting that beauty is part of what makes them historic, since bridges built today are more plain and less creative in design. Thus, the fact that an old bridge is beautiful should be considered a reason for calling it historic.
Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Historic Bridge InventoryDiscussion of Bridge The ca. 1913, 2 simple span, 171'-long, riveted Warren pony truss with verticals bridge is supported on reinforced concrete abutments and a concrete pier. All truss members are composed of steel angles, with the exception of the floor beams, which are rolled I beams. The bridge has an open grid steel deck and structure mounted guiderail railings. It was built as part of the Manufacturers' Water Co. Quemahoning reservoir to supply water to Johnstown and the Bethlehem mill. The bridge is not technologically significant as a later example of a standardized design, and the reservoir with its earthen dam is not historically or technologically significant. Discussion of Surrounding Area The bridge carries 1 lane of a township road over the southwest corner of the Quemahoning Reservoir in a sparsely developed, rural area with scattered 20th century residences. The reservoir is owned by Bethlehem Steel, and it was one of several reservoirs in the region that provided water for Johnstown's steel mills. It is not historic by association with the steel industry. Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: No |
