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Lh's Oldest Bridge?


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A new report does not bode well for what is perhaps the oldest bridge on the Lincoln Highway, but you can email words of support.

 

The bridge over Poquessing Creek, at the border of Philadelphia and Bucks Counties, PA, was built in 1805 for the Byberry-Bensalem Turnpike, and improved in 1917 as Lincoln Highway traffic began to overwhelm it. Since busy Roosevelt Boulevard bypassed it in 1921, it has slipped into oblivion, leaving it a very rare remnant in a very urban environment (right behind a Lincoln Motel). The bridge leads into Benjamin Rush State Park but straddling the county line has led to unclear ownership and lack of upkeep.

 

The report cataloged and ranked 125 Philadelphia-area stone arch bridges, which is the problem - unlike some, the Poquessing Creek Bridge is not needed for traffic, and is not eligible for listing on the National Register because of scouring (the undermining and deterioration of the base due to water erosion), making it "not a strong candidate for preservation." It is ranked 62, but only about 40 bridges will receive any maintenance or preservation.

 

Former LHA state director John Harman, who talked with the consultant, reports, “The bridge is artificially ranked as high as it is (right in the middle of the 125 bridges) because of its historic value associated with the Lincoln Highway. Otherwise, it would be lower. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission has also recently advocated for the bridge's preservation and higher priority status.”

 

You can see the full Draft Management Plan at http://www.pastonearch.org/ with details on pages 126-127, aka B44-45, but the 28M file takes a while to download even on fast connections.

 

For a summary of this bridge, go to http://www.pastonearch.org/index1.php

In the Search line, choose the county Bucks, and a map will soon come up with a list of bridges. Click #24 PHILADELPHIA - BUCKS CO LINE

You will get a map of the bridge and an overview. Click on Report and you’ll get more info in a new window.

 

If you'd like to send comments, go back to the main page http://www.pastonearch.org/ and click "Your Comments/Contact Us."

 

Let officials know this is an extremely rare and prized resource of the Lincoln Highway, especially in the eastern half of the U.S. As interest in the route increases, it will draw visitors from around the world much as bridges do elsewhere on the Lincoln Highway and Route 66.

 

Also some photos and info here:

http://www.amusementparknostalgia.com/lincoln.html

http://www.friendsofpoquessing.org/pathfin...inderv13i1.html

 

Brian Butko

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  • 2 weeks later...
A new report does not bode well for what is perhaps the oldest bridge on the Lincoln Highway, but you can email words of support.

 

The bridge over Poquessing Creek, at the border of Philadelphia and Bucks Counties, PA, was built in 1805 for the Byberry-Bensalem Turnpike, and improved in 1917 as Lincoln Highway traffic began to overwhelm it. Since busy Roosevelt Boulevard bypassed it in 1921, it has slipped into oblivion, leaving it a very rare remnant in a very urban environment (right behind a Lincoln Motel). The bridge leads into Benjamin Rush State Park but straddling the county line has led to unclear ownership and lack of upkeep.

 

The report cataloged and ranked 125 Philadelphia-area stone arch bridges, which is the problem - unlike some, the Poquessing Creek Bridge is not needed for traffic, and is not eligible for listing on the National Register because of scouring (the undermining and deterioration of the base due to water erosion), making it "not a strong candidate for preservation." It is ranked 62, but only about 40 bridges will receive any maintenance or preservation.

 

Former LHA state director John Harman, who talked with the consultant, reports, “The bridge is artificially ranked as high as it is (right in the middle of the 125 bridges) because of its historic value associated with the Lincoln Highway. Otherwise, it would be lower. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission has also recently advocated for the bridge's preservation and higher priority status.”

 

You can see the full Draft Management Plan at http://www.pastonearch.org/ with details on pages 126-127, aka B44-45, but the 28M file takes a while to download even on fast connections.

 

For a summary of this bridge, go to http://www.pastonearch.org/index1.php

In the Search line, choose the county Bucks, and a map will soon come up with a list of bridges. Click #24 PHILADELPHIA - BUCKS CO LINE

You will get a map of the bridge and an overview. Click on Report and you’ll get more info in a new window.

 

If you'd like to send comments, go back to the main page http://www.pastonearch.org/ and click "Your Comments/Contact Us."

 

Let officials know this is an extremely rare and prized resource of the Lincoln Highway, especially in the eastern half of the U.S. As interest in the route increases, it will draw visitors from around the world much as bridges do elsewhere on the Lincoln Highway and Route 66.

 

Also some photos and info here:

http://www.amusementparknostalgia.com/lincoln.html

http://www.friendsofpoquessing.org/pathfin...inderv13i1.html

 

Brian Butko

 

Thanks for the heads up!

 

I took a look using Google Earth at the site, and if I am correct it is the bridge at lat 40.1200, lon -74.9772. If it is that bridge, it is highly accessible, just a few hundred yards off US 1 via a signaled intersection off the main road, requires no lengthy walk, would readily be handicapped accessible, and even enjoys enough surrounding space for parking and a small interpretive site. To top it off there are existing tourist facilities immediately adjacent and a major hotel across the road..

 

It is the oldest arched bridge in the area , was once a link in the Kings highway, and is a fine example of the type. It also appears to offer access to a possible jogging or walking area along the old Lincoln Highway alignment and into the Park for hotel guests.

 

Do I have the wrong bridge? If not, it is certainly worth an effort to save it!

 

After all, we want to Keep the Show on the Road!

Edited by Keep the Show on the Road!
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  • 3 weeks later...
Thanks for the heads up!

 

I took a look using Google Earth at the site, and if I am correct it is the bridge at lat 40.1200, lon -74.9772. If it is that bridge, it is highly accessible, just a few hundred yards off US 1 via a signaled intersection off the main road, requires no lengthy walk, would readily be handicapped accessible, and even enjoys enough surrounding space for parking and a small interpretive site. To top it off there are existing tourist facilities immediately adjacent and a major hotel across the road..

 

It is the oldest arched bridge in the area , was once a link in the Kings highway, and is a fine example of the type. It also appears to offer access to a possible jogging or walking area along the old Lincoln Highway alignment and into the Park for hotel guests.

 

Do I have the wrong bridge? If not, it is certainly worth an effort to save it!

 

After all, we want to Keep the Show on the Road!

 

Yes, that sounds right - amazing, isn't it? And yet, since it's in an urban area, there are few local fans to rally support for its preservation, let alone stabilization.

 

BB

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