Bridge in Upper Frederick Township (Zieglerville, Pennsylvania) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Fagleysville Road Bridge Crossing Swamp Creek
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Bridge in Upper Frederick Township, Gerloff Road, 1982
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | Gerloff Road over Swamp Creek, Zieglerville, Upper Frederick Township, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1888 |
| Built by | Phoenix Bridge Co |
| Architectural style | Pratt through truss |
| MPS | Highway Bridges Owned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Transportation TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 88000864 |
| Added to NRHP | June 22, 1988 |
The Bridge in Upper Frederick Township is a really old and important bridge. It's a special type of bridge called a Pratt through truss. You can find it in Zieglerville, which is part of Upper Frederick Township in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
This bridge was built a long time ago in 1888. A company called the Phoenix Bridge Co from Phoenixville, Pennsylvania built it. It has one main section that is about 135 feet (41 meters) long. The bridge goes over a waterway called Swamp Creek.
In 1988, this bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's a very important historical site that should be protected.
Contents
What is a Truss Bridge?
A truss bridge is a type of bridge that uses a special framework. This framework is made of connected triangles. Triangles are very strong shapes. They help the bridge hold a lot of weight.
How Does a Truss Bridge Work?
The triangles in a truss bridge spread out the weight. When cars or trucks drive over, the weight pushes down. The triangles help push that weight along the bridge's frame. This makes the bridge very stable and strong.
What is a Pratt Through Truss?
The bridge in Upper Frederick Township is a "Pratt through truss." This means the main road or path goes through the middle of the truss structure. Imagine walking inside a giant metal cage. That's kind of what it's like! The Pratt design is a common and strong way to build bridges.
History of the Bridge
This bridge was built in 1888. That was a time when many new bridges were being built. They helped people travel and move goods more easily. The Phoenix Bridge Co was famous for building these kinds of bridges.
Why Was This Bridge Built?
The bridge was built to help people cross Swamp Creek. Before bridges like this, crossing rivers could be hard. This bridge made it much simpler for people in Zieglerville and Upper Frederick Township. It connected communities and helped local businesses.
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is a list of important places in the United States. These places are special because of their history or architecture. When a place is on this list, it means it's worth preserving. It helps people learn about the past.
Location and Importance
The bridge is located on Gerloff Road. It's a key part of the local transportation system. Even though it's old, it still helps people get around.
Where is Upper Frederick Township?
Upper Frederick Township is a place in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. It's in the state of Pennsylvania. This area has a rich history. The bridge is a reminder of that history.
Why is This Bridge Important Today?
The Bridge in Upper Frederick Township is important for a few reasons. First, it's a working bridge that people still use. Second, it shows us how bridges were built in the late 1800s. It's a piece of history you can actually drive over! It helps us understand engineering from the past.
