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Key Facts |
Bridge Name | Type | Road | Location | City | Crossing |
| Sharon NS/CSX Railroad Bridge | Truss | Railroad (Norfolk Southern and CSX) | Mercer County, PA | Sharon | Shenango River |
This bridge is one of the most historically significant bridges in northwestern Pennsylvania. This bridge features an extremely rare truss configuration, the quadrangular Warren truss configuration. The truss configuration is sometimes called simply a "lattice truss" as well. It is a distinctive, recognizable configuration that has a very cool look to it. It really adds to the complexity of the bridge, and increases that tunnel effect when you stand before the bridge's portal.
There is v-lacing present on the diagonals, bottom chord, and under the top chord / end post. There is lattice on the sway bacing. The portal bracing is a rather plain plate steel design. Connections on the bridge are riveted. The two-span structure is skewed. The bridge is a fairly wide single track structure. Another significant and uncommon feature on this bridge is that is was originally built with a cantilevered sidewalk, something not often seen on a rail bridge. This cantilevered sidewalk had lattice railings, which added to the beauty of the bridge. Sadly, the deck for this sidewalk is gone, and the lattice railings have fallen off in many places, and are simply hanging off the bridge.
This bridge appears to remain in use. Regardless, I feel the preservation of this bridge is paramount, and I would like to see the lattice sidewalk restored. The railroad companies might not like the idea, but I would turn a restored cantilever sidewalk into a public walkway, so people can enjoy the truss bridge. Since it is on the outside of the bridge, it wouldn't bother the trains in my opinion. I would be a great gesture by the rail companies to improve public relations.
