| Key Facts |
| Bridge Name | Facility Carried / Feature Intersected | Location | Structure Type | Construction Date / Builder or Contractor |
|
Housefelt Bridge |
Musselman Avenue Over Coxes Creek | Somerset: Somerset County, Pennsylvania | Metal Riveted Queenpost Pony Truss, Stationary | c. 1910 By: Unknown |
| Technical Facts |
| Alteration Date | Structure Length | Roadway Width | Bridge Width | Main Spans | Approach Spans |
| 1949 | 43 Feet (13.1 Meters) | 9.8 Feet (3 Meters) | 14 Feet (4.3 Meters) | 1 | None |
It remains unclear why Queenpost truss bridges are often cast aside as "Pratt" truss bridges, as was done with this bridge in the Historic Bridge Inventory. Queenpost truss bridges should not be considered Pratt truss bridges. Queenpost truss bridges represent a design that was used, particularly in the earlier truss bridge era, to create small spans during a time that steel stringers bridges were not economical due to the limits in size of rolled beams. Although a bridge like this one is a late example, it still represents this truss configuration that was a solution for crossings where a three panel bridge was effective. Truss bridges of this length would not be built often into the 20th Century as steel stringer became common for short span applications.
This bridge was however seriously altered when stringers were added below the trusses. This alteration sets this structure behind other Queenpost bridges found elsewhere, but it remains regionally significant where few other Queenposts are to be found.
Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Historic Bridge InventoryDiscussion of Bridge The bridge carries 1 lane of an unimproved road over a stream in a wooded and mixed use area at the southeast end of Somerset. Discussion of Surrounding Area The ca. 1910, riveted, Pratt pony truss bridge with outriggers was altered in 1949 when built up stringers were placed below the existing floorbeams. The stringers carry much of the live load. The trusses have minor welded repairs, and they are a common design that is common throughout southwestern Pennsylvania. The bridge, which has no innovative or distinctive details, is not historically or technologically significant. Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: No |
