PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION A.G. LICHTENSTEIN &
BUREAU OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ASSOCIATES, INC.
PENNSYLVANIA HISTORIC BRIDGE INVENTORY & EVALUATION
BMS #: 20100200600260 DIST: 1 UTM: 18/75344/4636655
OLD BMS #: CTY: CRAWFORD OWNER: PADOT
MUNICIPALITY: CAMBRIDGE LOCATION: IMMEDIATELY SE OF VENANGO BORO CENTER
FACILITY CARRIED: SR 1002 (CUSSEWAGO STREET)
NAME/ FEATURE INTERSECTED: SR 1002 OVER FRENCH CREEK
TYPE: THRU TRUSS DESIGN: PRATT
MATERIAL: METAL
#SPANS: 2 LENGTH: 261 (79.6 m) WIDTH: 18 (5.5 m)
YR BUILT: 1893 ALTERATION: SOURCE: PLAQUE
DESIGNER/BUILDER: WROUGHT IRON BRIDGE COMPANY
SETTING/CONTEXT:
The bridge carries a 1 lane street and sidewalk over a stream on the east edge of Venango
borough. It is not contiguous to the developed area, which consists primarily of
undistinguished, early 20th century vernacular houses, most with modern siding and altered
windows. Southeast of the bridge is a wooded, sparsely developed area. The setting does
not have historic district potential.
CURRENT NATIONAL REGISTER STATUS:
SURVEY NR RECOMMENDATION:
SUMMARY:
The 1893, pin connected, two span, 261'-long, Pratt thru truss bridge is supported on an
ashlar pier and abutments. It was fabricated by the Wrought Iron Bridge Company, and the
hip floor beam hangers have their distinctive four-pronged detail. The cantilevered sidewalk
is finished with a handsome lattice railing. Crawford County is rich in pin connected, metal
truss bridges with 35 ranging in date from 1870 through the early 20th century remaining.
This bridge stands out as a long, complete, multiple span example of its type and design.
Adding to its significance is its documentation to a prominent fabricator. The bridge is
historically and technologically significant.
PHOTO INDEX (DATE): 328:27-33 (7/97) REVIEWED BY/ DATE: GMK (8/98)