Parker Bridge

Visit Disappearing Bridge's Page For This Historic Bridge

Key Facts

Bridge Name	Type	Road	Location	City	Crossing
Parker Bridge	Truss	SR-368	Clarion County, PA	Parker, PA	Allegheny River

Technical Facts

Construction Date	Structure Length	Deck Width	Builder
1934	1140 Feet	24.9 Feet	McClintic-Marshall Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I thought it was funny that this multi-span Parker truss bridge was located in a little town called Parker. The design of the truss spans on this bridge is similar to Tidioute Bridge. The Parker Bridge has a considerable incline to it, which gives it an interesting appearance. It was reportedly an important achievement when it was built, for it to be at this incline. The bridge is painted an attractive sky blue color. This is one of the few pre-1950 bridges on the Allegheny River north of Kittanning to not be threatened with demolition. I am not saying this bridge is safe from demolition, I am only saying that PennDOT is turning one of our nation's most scenic rivers into a concrete wasteland filled with ugly, modern bridges. This is also one of the longest bridges in the area, since it crosses the river at a wider spot, and also passes over an abandoned rail line at the east side.

The historic bridge inventory provides some good description of the bridge. Ignore the non-historic part though, as that assessment for any metal truss bridge built before 1950 is absurd. Against some of the nearby bridges like Foxburg, this bridge is not as important of significant, but they demolishing the Foxburg Bridge. The Parker Bridge is fast-becoming one of the few remaining metal truss bridges of any kind on this area of the Allegheny River. Like all the truss bridges on the Allegheny River, this bridge needs to be preserved.

Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Historic Bridge Inventory

Discussion of Bridge

The inclined, 4 span, 1,140'-long (2 @ 252', 1 @ 390', 1 @ 225') riveted Parker thru truss bridge built in 1934 is supported on concrete abutments with flared wingwalls and concrete column and cap beam bents on concrete pedestals. The heavy trusses are traditionally composed and were built to a state standard design. They have no innovative or distinctive details. Riveted metal truss bridges, common in the state by the early 20th century, were extensively built in Pennsylvania by the state highway department in the 1920s and 1930s. The span lengths are not noteworthy. Over 90 riveted Parker truss bridges erected after 1925 remain statewide. Neither the bridge nor its setting is historically or technologically significant.

Discussion of Surrounding Area

The bridge carries a two lane state highway and a sidewalk over the Allegheny River and a Conrail right-of-way. Railroad tracks at the east end of the bridge have been removed and a hiking trail has been developed. To the east are an undistinguished brick factory building from ca. 1920 and a small development of post-WW II houses. To the west is a steep, forested ridge. The area does not have historic district potential.

Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: No