Bridge in Snake Spring Township facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Bridge in Snake Spring Township
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Bridge in Snake Spring Township, 1982
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location |  US 30 (Lincoln Highway) over Raystown Branch Juniata River, Snake Spring Township, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1934 |
| Built by | Pittsburg Construction Co. |
| Architectural style | Skewed open-spandrel arch |
| MPS | Highway Bridges Owned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Transportation TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 88000793 |
| Added to NRHP | June 22, 1988 |
The Bridge in Snake Spring Township, also known as the Narrows Bridge, is a historic concrete bridge in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. It is located in Snake Spring Township, at a place called The Narrows. This important bridge helps US 30, which is part of the famous Lincoln Highway, cross over the Raystown Branch Juniata River.
It was built in 1934 and is a long bridge, measuring about 580 feet (177 meters). It has five large arches and is made of strong concrete. Because of its special design and history, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
Contents
What Makes the Narrows Bridge Special?
The Narrows Bridge is a unique example of bridge building from the 1930s. It's known for its specific design, which is called a "skewed open-spandrel arch bridge."
Understanding the Design
- Arch Bridge: This means the bridge uses curved arches to support the roadway above. Arches are very strong and can carry a lot of weight.
- Open-Spandrel: Imagine the space between the main arch and the flat road above. In an open-spandrel bridge, this space is not filled in. Instead, it has open sections or smaller columns. This makes the bridge look lighter and uses less material.
- Skewed: This means the bridge doesn't cross the river at a perfect right angle. Instead, it crosses at an angle. This can make building the bridge more complicated, but it's sometimes necessary because of the shape of the land or river.
Who Built This Bridge?
The Narrows Bridge was built by the Pittsburg Construction Co. in 1934. They were experts in building large structures like this. Building a bridge of this size and design was a big project for its time.
The Lincoln Highway Connection
The Narrows Bridge carries US 30, which is a major highway. This route is also part of the historic Lincoln Highway.
What is the Lincoln Highway?
The Lincoln Highway was one of the first transcontinental (coast-to-coast) highways in the United States. It was created in 1913. It helped connect towns and cities across the country before the interstate highway system existed. The Narrows Bridge plays a small but important role in this famous road's history.
Why is it a Historic Place?
The Narrows Bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. This means it's recognized as an important part of American history and engineering.
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is an official list kept by the United States government. It includes buildings, structures, sites, objects, and districts that are important in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. Being on this list helps protect these special places.
The Narrows Bridge is important because it shows the engineering skills of its time. It also represents the development of roads and transportation in Pennsylvania and the United States.
