| Key Facts |
| Bridge Name | Facility Carried / Feature Intersected | Location | Structure Type | Construction Date / Builder or Contractor |
| Layton Bridge | Layton Road Over Youghiogheny River | Near Layton: Fayette County, Pennsylvania | Metal Pinned Pratt Combination Truss, Stationary | 1899 By: Pencoyd Iron Works of Pencoyd, Pennsylvania |
| Technical Facts |
| Rehabilitation Dates | Structure Length | Main Span Width | Bridge Width | Roadway Width | Main Spans | Approach Spans |
| 1984, 2008 | 911 Feet (277.7 Meters) | 181 Feet (55.17 Meters) | 14.3 Feet (4.36 Meters) | 13 Feet (4 Meters) | 2 | 17 (Steel Stringer and Through Plate Girder) |
This website was formed by a Michigan resident, and despite the fact that places like Ohio were closer and perhaps had a larger total number historic truss bridges, Pennsylvania was one of the first out-of-state locations to have any notable coverage. Why is this? Bridges like the Layton Bridge are largely the reason. Pennsylvania features bridges like the Layton Bridge that are truly unique and so beautiful they can take your breath away when you see them for the first time. The Layton Bridge itself is spectacular, but its beautiful natural setting, along with the incredible brick and rock tunnel that is next to the bridge make the setting unlike anything encountered anywhere else. The skewed bridge is very impressive to cross, and the tunnel only adds to the experience. However, the bridge is even more unusual when viewed from the rail-trail that passes under the bridge. This is because this bridge features an unusual design, where the deck runs through the middle of the truss web rather than along the bottom. Thus, the bridge is as much a deck truss as a through truss.
The bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which recognizes its extremely rare deck configuration. It is also noteworthy for association with an uncommon bridge company. The skewed configuration of the main spans, and the significant approach systems are also aspects that add to the value of the bridge. Preservation of this bridge should be considered a high priority given the significance of the structure, and also the aesthetic qualities of the bridge, as well as the beautiful tunnel that is next to the bridge. However, these dry descriptions can only begin to describe the reasons why this bridge should be preserved. It is a bridge you have to visit to truly appreciate its value, since beauty and setting are major factors that contribute ton the value of this bridge. It is one of those bridges that gives a traveler the real sense that they have traveled back in time. As such, the bridge is an excellent record of its period in history. Sadly, the bridge has currently suffered rust damage on the lower chord due to salt and moisture. However, there are contractors who are skilled in replicating such damaged parts, including built-up members with rivets, and as such, these issues should not be considered barriers to preservation.
This bridge has fairly massive members for an 1899 bridge, yet has a very narrow deck width. It also has very large built-up floor beams. It also features a long trestle-like approach system at one end with metal bents as support. It also features a beautiful brick tunnel at the other end. These features make the bridge look like it might originally have been a railroad line and bridge that was converted for highway use. Whether this is true or not remains unknown.
