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Key Facts |
Bridge Name | Type | Road | Location | City | Crossing |
| Saegertown Bridge | Truss | South Street (Jordan Drive) | Crawford County, PA | Saegertown | French Creek |
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Technical Facts |
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Construction Date |
Structure Length | Deck Width | Builder |
| 1900 | 206 Feet | 16 Feet | Youngstown Bridge Company of Youngstown, Ohio |
Ironically enough there are not very many Pennsylvania truss bridges in Pennsylvania! The Pennsylvania truss is the most complex of the standard truss configurations, and is in my opinion the most impressive. Extensive v-lacing is present on this bridge, further adding to the complex beauty of the pin connected structure. Original lattice railings remain on all of the bridge except for the ends which have been replaced with rather unusual metal that looks like it was reused metal ductwork. The portal bracing of the bridge is an a-frame design. The Youngstown Bridge Company builder plaque on the bridge is oddly enough the exact same design plaque as the Wrought Iron Bridge Company sometimes used on bridges such as the bridge in nearby Venango. Perhaps both companies out-sourced the plaque jobs to a separate company that just made plaques or something.
This gorgeous bridge is right next to busy US-6 / US-19 but it doesn't carry a lot of traffic. Not that PennDOT preserves bridges, but it would make sense to restore this lightly traveled bridge that sits in a location where many people can admire it.
Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Historic Bridge InventoryDiscussion of Bridge The 1900, pin connected, single span, 206'-long, Pennsylvania thru truss bridge is supported on ashlar abutments with wingwalls. The polygonal upper chords are built up box sections and the sub-ties are eye bars. The bridge is distinguished as an early example of its type and design. It is the oldest remaining Pennsylvania thru truss highway bridge in northwestern Pennsylvania, and only one other example in western Pennsylvania has an earlier construction date. The bridge is historically and technologically significant. Discussion of Surrounding Area The bridge carries 1 lane of a 2 lane road over a stream at the west edge of Saegertown borough. At the east end is a T intersection with SR 6 and a late 20th century commercial strip mall. To the west is a wooded area with scattered, undistinguished early and mid 20th century houses. The setting lacks the cohesiveness or significance of a potential historic district. Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes |
