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Key Facts |
Bridge Name | Type | Road | Location | City | Crossing |
| Dunbar Bridge | Truss | Harmon Creek Road | Washington County, PA | Rural | Raccoon Creek |
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Technical Facts |
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Construction Date |
Structure Length | Deck Width |
| 1889 | 64 Feet | 12 Feet |
You know that when even Pennsylvania's historic bridge inventory says a truss bridge is historic, that the bridge is something extra special! Indeed, that is the case with this very old 1889 half-hip Pratt pony truss with pinned connections. The bridge features latticed vertical members. There is v-lacing on both sides of the end posts, which is unusual. Original pole railings remain on this bridge.
I wish the weather would for once cooperate with me, as it was rainy at this special bridge. I really didn't have the luxury of examining this bridge as long as I wanted to. There are other elements of this bridge that are unusual, and I would like to revisit this bridge in the future, if nobody demolishes it.
Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Historic Bridge InventoryDiscussion of Bridge The single-span, 64'-long and 12' wide, pin-connected Pratt pony truss bridge built in 1889 is supported on one stone abutment and one concrete abutment. The lower chords and diagonals are loop forged eyebars, and the upper chords are channels and lacing. The verticals are laced back to back angles. Original features include the built up floor beams, pipe railings inside the truss lines and the outriggers. In a county and region with a deep and varied collection of metal truss bridges from the mid 1880s through the 1930s, this pony truss bridge stands out as an early and complete example. Discussion of Surrounding Area The bridge carries a single lane road over a stream in a sparsely developed, forested setting. Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes |
