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Key Facts |
Bridge Name | Type | Road | Location | City | Crossing |
| Witherspoon Bridge | Truss | Witherspoon Road | Washington County, PA | Rural | Raccoon Creek |
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Technical Facts |
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Construction Date |
Structure Length | Deck Width | Builder |
| 1894 | 97 Feet | 14 Feet | Unknown (Likely Nelson and Buchanan) |
This bridge displays, portal bracing, as well as sway bracing connection details that are similar to Shanley Road Bridge, and is also very similar in all senses to the Jantz Road Bridge. As such, it makes sense to assume that Nelson and Buchanan built this bridge. This is also likely, as the company built a lot of pony trusses in Washington County as well. This bridge is a pin connection Pratt through truss bridge composed of six panels. It is in fairly bad shape, which makes me worry it might end up on a demolition. Considering the bridge's historic significance, beauty, and rural location, it makes sense to instead restore this bridge so that this area can continue to be an area that feels like you traveled back in time by a century.
Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Historic Bridge InventoryDiscussion of Bridge The single-span, 97'-long and 14' wide, pin-connected, Pratt through truss bridge built in 1894 is supported on ashlar abutments. The trusses are traditionally composed with the floor beams placed above the lower chords. The stringers and deck are wood, and the original lattice railings are inside the truss lines. In a county and region noted for its deep and varied collection of metal truss bridges, this early and complete example stands out. It is historically and technologically significant. Discussion of Surrounding Area The bridge carries one lane of a two-lane road over a stream in a sparsely developed, wooded setting. Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes |
