Ponakin Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Ponakin Bridge
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Ponakin Bridge, 1979
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Nashua River between Ponakin Road and MA 70, Lancaster, Massachusetts |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1871 |
| Architect | Watson Manufacturing Co. |
| Architectural style | Post truss |
| NRHP reference No. | 79000378 |
| Added to NRHP | September 10, 1979 |
The Ponakin Bridge is a historic bridge in Lancaster, Massachusetts. It crosses the Nashua River. This bridge was built in 1871. It used to be a main road for people traveling north and south. Today, the bridge is closed because it is not safe. It is even closed to people walking on it. The Ponakin Bridge is very special because its design is now extremely rare. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
About the Ponakin Bridge
The Ponakin Bridge is found in a quiet, rural area. It is a few miles north of the center of Lancaster. The bridge goes across the Nashua River. It connects Massachusetts Route 70 with Ponakin Road. Ponakin Road is a street that ends near the river.
What the Bridge Looks Like
The bridge has a special design called a Post truss. It has eight sections. The whole bridge is about 100 feet (30 m) long. It is also about 20 feet (6.1 m) wide. The bridge rests on strong stone supports. These supports are made of rough-cut granite stones. They are about 20 feet (6.1 m) long.
The bridge's floor is made of wood. There are thick wooden beams that connect to the main structure. On top of these, there are more wooden pieces. Finally, there are three-inch thick wooden planks. These planks form the top surface where vehicles used to drive.
A Look Back: The Bridge's History
The Ponakin Bridge was built in 1871. The Watson Manufacturing Company from Paterson, New Jersey built it for the town. This spot has been important for a long time. Wooden bridges have stood here since the 1600s. It was always on the main road leading north from Lancaster.
In 1965, a new road was built. This new road is now Route 70. It bypassed the old bridge. The design of the Ponakin Bridge was created by Simon S. Post around 1866. This type of bridge was very important. It was used to build major railroad lines across the country. This included a big crossing for the Union Pacific Railroad over the Missouri River.
Today, the bridge's wooden floor is damaged. Because of this, the bridge is now closed. No one can use it for any kind of travel.
