Mead Avenue Bridge

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This remarkable bridge is one of Pennsylvania's most unusual and historically significant bridges, and is in fact a nationally significant bridge that is today threatened with demolition. The bridge has faithfully served traffic since its completion in 1872, and is a testimony to the efforts of both the designers and builders of the bridge, as well as the craftsmen who fabricated the various parts of the bridge. However, 135 years later the bridge is being closed to traffic with no plans to re-open it, and an alarming discussion of demolishing the bridge is taking place. Although Pennsylvania has an unrivaled number of rare, historic truss bridges, it also has an extremely low number of preserved historic truss bridges, and the number of surviving structures is rapidly decreasing as historic bridges continue to be demolished. The possibility that this bridge could be demolished is very real. Among these numerous, rare bridges of Pennsylvania, this bridge stands out as a bridge that can truly be called unique, beautiful, and tremendously rare.

The Mead Avenue Bridge is unique in that it is essentially two bridges in one. In 1912, Baltimore trusses were added to the bridge, with the intention of being emergency repairs to increase the weight limit of the bridge for ten years. Instead, they proved sufficient to produce essentially continuous service for 95 years! The original part of the bridge is an extremely old 1871 truss structure, and is a rear two-span example of the Whipple truss configuration. However, perhaps the most important element of significance is that the bridge uses rare Keystone columns for vertical members and end posts. Keystone Columns are an extremely rare form of built-up member, and are most commonly found on Wrought Iron Bridge Company bowstring truss bridges such as the Messerall Road Bridge, which are themselves rare. The Whipple truss bridge was built by the Penn Bridge Works of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania Keystone was the company that assembled the columns for the bridge. Union Iron Mills was where the iron originated from, according to stamps on the bridge. The portal bracing on this bridge has been through a lot, and is damaged and or missing in many places, particularly at the western end. However, most of this decorative bracing is intact at the eastern end of the bridge. The design of the portal bracing, featuring a complex assembly of star-shaped objects is very ornate and complex, and greatly adds to the beauty of the bridge, forming a structure that is truly a work of art. Perhaps the most innovative compliment to this portal bracing in the form of decorative archways at the end of the sidewalks that even feature 1871 plaques overhead and their own unique portal design made up of a pattern of circles. These cantilevered sidewalks also feature an unusual design of lattice railing, which only further adds to the interest and appearance of the bridge. The attention to detail and appearance on this bridge is a perfect example of what sets a historic truss bridge apart from modern bridges of the 21st century.

 The trusses that were added to the bridge date to 1912 and feature a Baltimore truss configuration and have riveted connections. It was built by Rodgers Brothers Company of Albion, Pennsylvania. Combined, these trusses convey an unusually strong sense of passing through a tunnel, which makes this bridge a fun experience to cross.

It is paramount that the plans for demolition of this bridge be halted immediately, and that this bridge be preserved. A restoration project could rehabilitate the bridge for light vehicular use, or the bridge could bypassed by a modern bridge and the historic bridge restored for pedestrian use. Whatever solution might be selected, the key is that this historic bridge, along with its rare Keystone Columns and double-truss design continues to be a landmark attraction for Meadville. Its loss would mark a tragedy that would be felt for generations to come.