Miller Farm Road Bridge

Most Recent Visit To Bridge: July 1, 2006

Key Facts

Bridge Name	Type	Road	Location	City	Crossing
Miller Farm Road Bridge	Truss	Miller Farm Road	Venango County, PA	Rural	Oil Creek

Technical Facts

Construction Date	Rehabilitation Date	Structure Length	Deck Width	Builder
1888	2000	154 Feet	16.2 Feet	Massillon Bridge Company of Massillon, Ohio

This pin connected through truss bridge is among the most beautiful bridges in Venango County. Not only is it an impressive structure in its own right, it is in a very scenic area.

You might note that maps show a dot-on-the-map town called Shamburg, which is a goofy name, that you would be passing by if you approached this bridge from the East from SR-227. Speaking of a sham, I got a laugh out of the commemorative plaque that proudly declares that this is a restored bridge. PennDOT is not in the habit of preserving bridges, so such a sign is rare. But if this is what they think is a restoration, than there is no hope for the truss bridges of Pennsylvania at all! All that I could see done to this bridge as recent as 2000 is that the wooden deck was replaced. No sandblasting and painting of the structure was done. This bridge needs fresh paint bad, as paint is falling off this bridge like crazy, and many parts are rusted. For examples of restored bridges, examine the bridges of the Michigan's Historic Bridge Park.

The Miller Farm Bridge was built in 1888 by the Massillon Bridge Company of Massillon, Ohio. It is a large single span Pratt through truss, at nine panels for a total of 154 feet. There is v-lacing on the verticals, and the portal bracing is a lattice design. There are pole railings present on the bridge.

Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Historic Bridge Inventory

Discussion of Bridge

The 1888, pin connected, single span, 154'-long, Pratt thru truss bridge is supported on ashlar abutments with flared wingwalls. The traditionally composed trusses have built up upper chords and verticals. The lower chords and diagonals are eye bars are historically and technologically significant as an early example of its technology (Criterion C). One of 16 surviving pin connected truss bridges in Venango County, the bridge stands out as a complete example of its type and design. Adding to its significance is the documentation to the Massillon Bridge Company of Massillon Ohio, a regional fabricator of metal truss bridges. The bridge is historically and technologically significant.

Discussion of Surrounding Area

The bridge carries 1 lane of an unimproved road over a stream in a sparsely developed, forested setting that does not have historic district potential.

Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes