Wills Creek Bollman Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wills Creek Bollman Bridge |
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Wills Creek Bollman Bridge, pictured at former location
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| Coordinates | 39°49′06″N 78°59′41″W / 39.81833°N 78.99472°W |
| Carries | Allegheny Highlands section of Great Allegheny Passage trail |
| Crosses | Scratch Hill Road |
| Locale | Meyersdale, Pennsylvania |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | truss bridge |
| Total length | 81 feet (25 m) |
| Width | 13 feet (4.0 m) |
| History | |
| Opened | 1871 |
The Wills Creek Bollman Bridge is a historic bridge in Pennsylvania. It was first built in 1871 to carry trains for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. This bridge is special because it's the last one left from that railroad line that was designed by engineer Wendel Bollman.
Today, the bridge is part of the Great Allegheny Passage trail. This trail is popular for biking and walking. The bridge helps people cross over Scratch Hill Road near Meyersdale, Pennsylvania.
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History of the Wills Creek Bridge
The Wills Creek Bollman Bridge has moved a few times! It was first built in 1871. It helped trains cross Wills Creek.
Why the Bridge Moved
Around 1910, trains became much heavier. The bridge was no longer strong enough for these new, bigger locomotives. So, it was moved about 1.5 miles north of Meyersdale, Pennsylvania. There, it became a road bridge. It helped cars cross the CSX train tracks on Long Road.
A New Home for the Bridge
In 2007, the bridge was moved again. This time, it went to a spot east of Meyersdale. Now, it carries the Great Allegheny Passage trail. This means bikers and hikers can safely cross Scratch Hill Road.
How the Bridge Was Built
The Wills Creek Bollman Bridge is an interesting example of old engineering. It was designed by a self-taught engineer named Wendel Bollman. Even though it's called a "Bollman Bridge," it doesn't use his most famous design.
Bridge Design and Materials
This bridge uses a different style called a Warren truss. A truss bridge uses a framework of triangles to make it strong. The bridge is 81 feet long and 13 feet wide.
The bridge has a wooden deck for people to walk or bike on. It also has fancy cast iron pieces at its ends. These pieces have beautiful lacework. The strong parts that are pushed on (called compression members) are also made of cast iron. The parts that are pulled on (called tension members) are made from wrought iron.
A Historic Landmark
The Wills Creek Bollman Bridge is an important part of history. It shows how bridges were built a long time ago.
Listed on the National Register
Because of its history and unique design, the bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 8, 1978. This means it's recognized as a special historical site in the United States.
