Ackelson Bridge

"Maple Grove Road Bridge"

Most Recent Visit To Bridge: July 4, 2006

Key Facts

Bridge Name	Type	Road	Location	City	Crossing
Ackelson Bridge	Truss	Maple Grove Road	Washington County, PA	Rural	Raccoon Creek

Technical Facts

Construction Date	Structure Length	Deck Width	Builder
1904	61 Feet	16.3 Feet	Nelson and Buchanan

This small bridge presents a good example of why truss bridges are so special and important to preserve. Here is a small road and a small crossing, that if a modern bridge were built would most likely never even be noticed. In fact a modern bridge might not even be a bridge; it might just be a culvert. But even a small truss bridge such as this one has enough of a truss to it that it provides a "climax" as you cross the stream, and lets people know that there is something special here. The stone abutments that may be common in Pennsylvania compared to other states, are still very scenic, and the way they rise above the land as in this photo adds to the scenery.

Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Historic Bridge Inventory

Discussion of Bridge

The single-span, 50'-long and 14' wide, riveted Pratt pony truss bridge built in 1904 is supported on concrete abutments. The trusses are traditionally composed, and the floor beams are located above the lower chords. The field connections are bolted, and the outriggers are original. The bridge has been strengthened by the addition of longitudinal beams placed under the floor beams and supported on concrete seats in front of the ashlar abutments. Angles are welded to the beams and the bottom of the lower chords. There are also numerous welded and bolted repairs to the truss members. The altered bridge is located in a county and region noted for its numerous complete truss bridges, and it is not historically or technologically significant. It is similar to other bridges in the county from the same period that were fabricated by Nelson & Buchanan.

Discussion of Surrounding Area

The bridge carries a single-lane road over a stream in a sparsely developed, wooded setting with scattered 20th century houses. A plain log house is beyond the bridge to the south. The area does not appear to have historic district potential.

Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: No