Reading-Halls Station Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Reading-Halls Station Bridge
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Reading-Halls Station Bridge, January 1984
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | Northwest of Muncy off U.S. Route 220, Muncy Township, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 0.1 acres (0.040 ha) |
| Built | 1846 |
| Architectural style | Howe pony truss |
| NRHP reference No. | 80003571 |
| Added to NRHP | January 17, 1980 |
The Reading-Halls Station Bridge is a very old and important railroad bridge. You can find it in Muncy Township, Pennsylvania. It was built a long time ago, in 1846.
This bridge is special because it uses a design called a Howe truss and is a pony truss type. It's about 70 feet (21 m) long. It's also the oldest bridge of its kind that is still being used in Pennsylvania today!
Contents
What is a Howe Truss Bridge?
A Howe truss is a special way to build a bridge. It uses a pattern of triangles to make the bridge strong. Imagine a series of "X" shapes along the side of the bridge.
The Howe truss design was invented by William Howe in 1840. It uses both wood and metal parts. This design was very popular for railroads.
How it Works
In a Howe truss, the diagonal pieces usually lean towards the center of the bridge. These parts are often made of wood. They help push weight outwards.
The vertical (up-and-down) pieces are usually made of metal, like iron. These metal pieces pull the bridge together. This mix of materials makes the bridge very strong.
What is a Pony Truss?
A pony truss bridge is a type of truss bridge. It does not have a top structure that connects the two sides. This means the train or road goes between the two truss frames.
It looks a bit like a fence on either side of the path. The trusses are not tall enough to go over the top of the train or road.
History of the Bridge
The Reading-Halls Station Bridge was built in 1846. It was made for the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad. This railroad was very important for moving goods and people.
It is thought that Richard B. Osborne designed and built this bridge. He was the chief engineer for the railroad at that time.
A Historic Landmark
This bridge is so important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. This is a list of places in the United States that are important to history.
Being on this list helps protect the bridge. It means people recognize its value. It reminds us of how bridges were built a long time ago.
