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Key Facts |
Bridge Name | Type | Road | Location | City | Crossing |
| Smith Road Bridge | Truss | Smith Road | Crawford County, PA | Rural | Conneaut Creek Tributary |
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Technical Facts |
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Construction Date |
Structure Length | Deck Width | Builder |
| c. 1888 | 46 Feet | 15 Feet | Wrought Iron Bridge Company of Canton, Ohio |
This bridge features a rare design in that the diagonals and the bottom chord extend through the end post and are bolted on the other side. Other examples of this unusual design can be found in the state of Ohio, although they are rare there as well. This is the only Pennsylvania example I have found so far. It certainly is one of the most significant pony truss bridges in Crawford County. Beyond the unusual connection design, the bridge is an otherwise simple, small half-hip Pratt pony truss bridge, composed of three panels. The bridge has a wooden deck, and it retains lattice railings.
Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Historic Bridge InventoryDiscussion of Bridge The ca. 1888, pin connected, single span, 46'-long, Pratt pony truss bridge is attributed to the Wrought Iron Bridge Company because it has the distinctive upper and lower chord cast iron connections found on documented bridges by the prominent Ohio bridge designer and fabricator. The bridge appears to be complete, and it stands out in the county as one of the important metal truss bridges that chronicle the evolution of the development and eventual standardization of the technology. The bridge is historically and technologically significant. Discussion of Surrounding Area The bridge carries 1 lane of a 2 lane, unimproved township road over a stream in a rural area with scattered, undistinguished late 20th century residences. The area does not have historic district potential. Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes |
