Lumberville–Raven Rock Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lumberville–Raven Rock Bridge |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Carries | Pedestrians |
| Crosses | Delaware River |
| Locale | Raven Rock, New Jersey and Lumberville, Pennsylvania |
| Maintained by | Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Suspension bridge |
| Total length | 688 feet (210 m) |
| History | |
| Opened | 1947 |
The Lumberville–Raven Rock Bridge is a special bridge that crosses the Delaware River. It's also called the Lumberville Foot Bridge. This bridge is only for people walking or biking, not for cars! It's completely free to use.
This cool bridge connects two different states. On one side, it links to Bull's Island Recreation Area near Raven Rock, New Jersey in New Jersey. On the other side, it reaches Lumberville, Pennsylvania in Pennsylvania. It's one of only two bridges over the Delaware River that are just for pedestrians. The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission owns and takes care of this bridge.
Building the Bridge: A Look Back
The idea to build a bridge at Lumberville started a long time ago. In 1835 and 1836, lawmakers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey agreed to the plan. But construction didn't begin until 1853. This delay was actually lucky! It meant the bridge wasn't around for a big flood in 1841 that could have damaged it.
The first bridge was a covered bridge made of wood. It had four parts crossing the river and another part over the Delaware Canal. It was designed by Solon Chapin and Anthony Fry. The Lumberville Delaware River Bridge Company finished building it in 1856.
Changes and Rebuilding
In 1903, a huge flood caused a lot of damage to the original wooden bridge. One of its three river sections was washed away! Workers repaired the bridge, and in 1904, they replaced the missing section with a strong steel truss part.
This bridge used to be a toll bridge, meaning you had to pay to cross it. But in 1932, the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission bought it.
By February 1944, the remaining wooden parts of the bridge were declared unsafe. People decided there wasn't a need for cars to cross at this spot anymore. So, in 1947, a company called John A Roebling's Sons, Co. was hired. They rebuilt the structure as a pedestrian bridge.
The original stone supports from 1855 were still strong. For about $75,000, the bridge was rebuilt as a five-part suspension bridge. Another major flood hit the Delaware River in 1955, destroying several bridges. But the Lumberville–Raven Rock Bridge survived and is still used today!
In 1993, the bridge got a big update. This project included a new walking surface, new lights, and a fresh coat of paint.
