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Bridge in French Creek Township facts for kids

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Bridge in French Creek Township
Bridge in French Creek Township.jpg
Bridge in French Creek Township, 1982
Bridge in French Creek Township is located in Pennsylvania
Bridge in French Creek Township
Location in Pennsylvania
Bridge in French Creek Township is located in the United States
Bridge in French Creek Township
Location in the United States
Location Legislative Route 43074 over French Creek, French Creek Township, Pennsylvania
Area less than one acre
Built 1888
Built by Columbia Bridge Works
Architectural style Pratt through truss
MPS Highway Bridges Owned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Transportation TR
NRHP reference No. 88000862
Added to NRHP June 22, 1988

The Bridge in French Creek Township was a special old bridge in Mercer County, Pennsylvania. It was built a long time ago, in 1888. This bridge was made of steel and had a unique design called a Pratt truss. It used to cross French Creek near a village called Carlton, Pennsylvania.

The French Creek Township Bridge

This historic bridge was built in 1888. It was made by a company called Columbia Bridge Works. The bridge was about 277 feet (84 meters) long. It had two main sections, or spans, that stretched across the water.

What is a Pratt Truss Bridge?

The Bridge in French Creek Township used a design called a Pratt truss. A "truss" is a strong framework, often made of triangles. This design helps bridges hold a lot of weight. The Pratt truss is a common type of bridge design. It uses diagonal beams that point towards the center of the bridge. This makes it very stable.

Where Was It Located?

The bridge was located in French Creek Township. This area is in Mercer County, Pennsylvania. It crossed over French Creek. This creek is a tributary, or smaller river, that flows into the Allegheny River.

Its Journey: From Crossing to Storage

For many years, the bridge helped people cross French Creek. But in the summer of 2014, things changed. The old bridge was carefully taken apart. Its pieces were then put into storage. A new, modern bridge was built in its place. This new bridge helps traffic cross French Creek today.

Why Was It Special?

Even though the bridge was removed, it is still important. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. This list includes buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history. Being on this list means the bridge was recognized for its historical value and its special design.

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