Scarborough Bridge facts for kids
The Scarborough Bridge is a special wooden bridge located in the Barclay Farm neighborhood of Cherry Hill, New Jersey. It's known as a "covered bridge" because it has a roof and walls, just like a small house, protecting the road and its structure from weather. This bridge helps people and vehicles cross the North Branch of the Cooper River.
Quick facts for kids Scarborough Bridge |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Coordinates | 39°54′02″N 74°59′33″W / 39.900667°N 74.992547°W |
| Carries | 2 lanes of Covered Bridge Road |
| Crosses | North Branch of the Cooper River |
| Locale | Cherry Hill, New Jersey |
| Characteristics | |
| Total length | 55 feet |
| Width | 20 feet |
| Clearance above | 12 feet, 6 inches |
| History | |
| Designer | Malcolm Wells |
| Opened | February 14, 1959 |
Contents
What is the Scarborough Bridge?
The Scarborough Bridge is a wooden covered bridge. It is located in the Barclay Farm neighborhood of Cherry Hill, New Jersey. The bridge carries two lanes of Covered Bridge Road. This road is actually named after the bridge itself! It also has two sidewalks. These sidewalks are for people who are walking or riding bicycles.
Who Was the Bridge Named After?
The bridge got its name from Bob Scarborough. He was a housing developer. A developer is someone who plans and builds new neighborhoods. Bob Scarborough helped create the Barclay Farm neighborhood. This is the area where the bridge is found.
Why Was the Bridge Built?
A bridge was needed in this area to connect the streets of the new neighborhood. It helped extend the road system over a small waterway. This waterway is called the North Branch. It is a small "tributary," which means it's a smaller stream that flows into a larger river. The larger river is the Cooper River.
When Was the Bridge Built?
The Scarborough Bridge was designed by a person named Malcolm Wells. It was officially opened for traffic on February 14, 1959. This means it has been helping people cross the river for many years! The bridge was also updated and repaired in 1993 to keep it strong and safe.
What Makes the Bridge Special?
The Scarborough Bridge has a special type of design called a "town truss." A truss is a framework of beams that supports a bridge. The "town truss" design uses many crisscrossing wooden beams. This design makes the bridge very strong. Because of its unique design and history, the Scarborough Bridge is considered a "historical landmark" for the community. This means it's an important and recognized part of the area's past.
