Bridge in Washington Township facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Bridge in Washington Township
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Kralltown Road Bridge, Summer 1997
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | Legislative Route 66150 (SR 4017) over Bermudian Creek, south of Kralltown, Washington Township, York County, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1884 |
| Built by | Wrought Iron Bridge Co. |
| Architectural style | Pratt truss |
| MPS | Highway Bridges Owned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Transportation TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 88000817 |
| Added to NRHP | June 22, 1988 |
The Bridge in Washington Township, also known as the Kralltown Road Bridge, was a special type of bridge. It was a double-intersection Pratt truss bridge. This bridge crossed over Bermudian Creek in Washington Township, York County, Pennsylvania. It was located near the town of Kralltown.
The Wrought Iron Bridge Company built this bridge in 1884. It was quite long, measuring about 153 feet (47 meters) from end to end. Because of its historical importance, the bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. Later, the original historic bridge was replaced. A new bridge, made of prestressed concrete, now stands in its place.
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Discovering the Kralltown Road Bridge
The Kralltown Road Bridge was more than just a way to cross a creek. It was a piece of history. Built in 1884, it connected communities in York County. The bridge helped people travel and transport goods. It was a vital link for many years.
A Look at Its Design: The Pratt Truss
The Kralltown Road Bridge used a design called a Pratt truss.
- A truss bridge uses a framework of triangles.
- These triangles help distribute weight and make the bridge very strong.
- The Pratt truss was a popular design in the late 1800s.
- It was known for being efficient and reliable.
- The Kralltown Road Bridge had a "double-intersection" Pratt truss.
- This meant it had extra diagonal pieces for even more strength.
Built by Experts: Wrought Iron Bridge Company
The Wrought Iron Bridge Company built this bridge.
- They were a famous company from Ohio.
- They specialized in building bridges from wrought iron.
- Wrought iron was a strong and durable material.
- It was commonly used for bridges in the 19th century.
- This company built many bridges across the United States.
- Their bridges were known for their quality and design.
Becoming a Historic Landmark
The Kralltown Road Bridge was special enough to be recognized nationally.
- On June 22, 1988, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
- This is an official list of places in the United States.
- These places are important for their history, architecture, or culture.
- The bridge was recognized for its age and its engineering design.
- It showed how bridges were built in the late 1800s.
- It also highlighted the use of wrought iron in construction.
The Bridge Today: A New Chapter
Over time, bridges need updates or replacements.
- The original Kralltown Road Bridge was eventually replaced.
- The old wrought iron truss was taken down.
- A new, modern bridge was built in its place.
- The new bridge is a two-span prestressed concrete box girder bridge.
- This type of bridge is very strong and common today.
- While the old bridge is gone, its history lives on.
- Its story is preserved through its listing as a historic place.
