Satolli, the cables were installed when the bridge was converted to auto traffic, because it also would be used by pedestrians. The cables were “hand rails”.
I am just amazed with the skill and craftsmanship that was used to build these bridges and buildings in the 1800s. It's definitely a lost art. Glad you like the channel!
Satolli, a wonderful Wednesday surprise. A very enjoyable history lesson. Thank you, for sharing it. I was waiting for you to say I'm to D*** old for this as you squeezed between the guard rail barricade. Cheers, Mate.
The cables that you puzzled over appeared to be supplementing the counter diagonals (those running away from the center towards the ends) in one of the panels . Counters are intended to keep each panel rigid, especially in a double-intersection Pratt truss like this one where the main diagonals (running from the ends towards the center) extend across two verticals. It is a "cheap" way to repair a tension member that has been compromised in some way; perhaps the eye is broken or cracked or the rod itself is damaged. The size of the lower chord eyebars makes it seem like the bridge was capable of easily supporting a highway load. It's also interesting that the number of eyeballs in each panel increase towards the center, where the tension would be greatest. This is as you would expect and indicates the bridge was scientifically designed.. But it is also interesting that the lower chord in the end panels DO NOT have any crossbar reinforcing between the eyebars.. Later in the 19th century, this was added to end panels of railroad bridges to resist the sudden impact of a train coming onto the bridge. That impact would result in compression being applied to these end panels and this required reinforcing bars. Their absence may have been why the bridge was originally retired by the railroad.
@historyinyourownbackyard2363 You know, i have to tell you a train story thay came to mind when i said you have to look fast or you'll miss it. We visited Dad's friend in Hudson, NY and had to get back to the city. It had snowed all night when NY used to get real snow, 1966. No plows. We walked. Me on Dad's friend's shoulders, my sister on my Dad's. We get to the station. The trainmaster(?) radioes the express train coming. As it slowed, the conductor was hanging out the vestibule with a look of astonishment, "Why are we stopping here!" They handed him my little sister who has remarked with clarity how he had the bluest, biggest eyes ever. We climbed aboard and pulled into Grand Central, safe, warm and happy. Oh yeah, my dad was blind. Thank you for a wonderful upload and memory.
That span seems long to support a train. Must be really strong. Those dirt piles serve no purpose other than to rot the wood. Should be removed. Great video.
The cables are intended as a reinforcement. Unfortunately, they don't really do anything. It wouldn't take much to reopen that bridge. Unfortunately, PA is about 30 years behind IN in how to do bridge preservation.
@@historyinyourownbackyard2363 Well who doesn't? But more than that everything seems more polished with more and more cool drone footage and edit design. 🙂 Like you've got some enthusiastic kid helping you dress it up.... 🤔 Maybe YOU'RE the kid, I don't know, but either way it shows so nice work! Cheers
Great video. Thanks for showing this.
I drive past this bridge almost daily. It is the oldest surviving bridge in Clearfield County. Super cool video!
It's a beauty for sure! You're luck to have this in your county. Glad you liked the video.
Satolli, the cables were installed when the bridge was converted to auto traffic, because it also would be used by pedestrians.
The cables were “hand rails”.
We have few railroad bridges from the O&W that were converted into road bridges. They are super strong!
Exactly! When the railroads built their infrastructure, it was built to last. Where are your bridges located?
I love the bloopers! Thanks for keeping them in. Another great video but man I would love to fly fish that river! Lol.
Isn't that a beautiful river?
I live less than 30 minutes from this bridge. I wouldn't waste my time fishing that part of the river.
Lol! Good to know...
@@halffast7799 fishing isn't any good there?
Love your channel! Old infrastructure is great for the beauty of it and the history lessons therein
I am just amazed with the skill and craftsmanship that was used to build these bridges and buildings in the 1800s. It's definitely a lost art. Glad you like the channel!
Satolli, a wonderful Wednesday surprise. A very enjoyable history lesson. Thank you, for sharing it.
I was waiting for you to say I'm to D*** old for this as you squeezed between the guard rail barricade. Cheers, Mate.
I was thinking of saying that...LOL! Have a great day!
Beautiful bridge! Hope it's around for years to come! Thanks for sharing!👍
It will cost a small fortune to remove it for sure.
The cables that you puzzled over appeared to be supplementing the counter diagonals (those running away from the center towards the ends) in one of the panels . Counters are intended to keep each panel rigid, especially in a double-intersection Pratt truss like this one where the main diagonals (running from the ends towards the center) extend across two verticals. It is a "cheap" way to repair a tension member that has been compromised in some way; perhaps the eye is broken or cracked or the rod itself is damaged. The size of the lower chord eyebars makes it seem like the bridge was capable of easily supporting a highway load. It's also interesting that the number of eyeballs in each panel increase towards the center, where the tension would be greatest. This is as you would expect and indicates the bridge was scientifically designed.. But it is also interesting that the lower chord in the end panels DO NOT have any crossbar reinforcing between the eyebars.. Later in the 19th century, this was added to end panels of railroad bridges to resist the sudden impact of a train coming onto the bridge. That impact would result in compression being applied to these end panels and this required reinforcing bars. Their absence may have been why the bridge was originally retired by the railroad.
Thanks for the explanation David! I didn't have a clue why the cables were placed on the bridge. Thanks!
Thanks for showing us beautiful history, stay safe out there Satoli ❤
You're welcome and I will.
Great video (again)!!! Love this bridge!!
Glad you liked the video.
When your drone camera filmed directly over this magnificent ghost bride it captured a ghost train passing across it. Did you see it?
No! I missed that!!!
@historyinyourownbackyard2363
You have to look close. It's only there for a second!
@@rudolphguarnacci197 Let me look again...
@historyinyourownbackyard2363
You know, i have to tell you a train story thay came to mind when i said you have to look fast or you'll miss it. We visited Dad's friend in Hudson, NY and had to get back to the city. It had snowed all night when NY used to get real snow, 1966. No plows. We walked. Me on Dad's friend's shoulders, my sister on my Dad's. We get to the station. The trainmaster(?) radioes the express train coming. As it slowed, the conductor was hanging out the vestibule with a look of astonishment, "Why are we stopping here!" They handed him my little sister who has remarked with clarity how he had the bluest, biggest eyes ever. We climbed aboard and pulled into Grand Central, safe, warm and happy. Oh yeah, my dad was blind. Thank you for a wonderful upload and memory.
@@rudolphguarnacci197 Cool story! Glad it brought back good memories.
That span seems long to support a train. Must be really strong. Those dirt piles serve no purpose other than to rot the wood. Should be removed. Great video.
Exactly! That wood is definitely going to rot.
The cables are intended as a reinforcement. Unfortunately, they don't really do anything. It wouldn't take much to reopen that bridge. Unfortunately, PA is about 30 years behind IN in how to do bridge preservation.
Yeah I couldn't figure out what those cables were trying to stabilize on a bridge that massive.
Any idea when this was closed? Those cables look very new, no signs of rust or oxidation
I couldn't find out the year it was closed but you're right, those cables look pretty new.
Based on the coordinates he gave, Google street view had it open until at least 2016, but when you go to 2022 is when the sign now says closed.
@@trekzilladmc thanks for checking that out!
Please be careful
Always!
Both New Milport and Kerrmoor are not near this bridge.
You're right but if you look on the older maps, the line went down to those two areas.
@@historyinyourownbackyard2363 send me a link. I know a line via Madera that went back to friendship tunnel.
I've noticed lately this channel seems to be employing some extra entertaining editing- 😎 What's up with that? 🧐 😁
I just thought I'd leave some of the good stuff in. I mess up on every video shoot. LOL!
@@historyinyourownbackyard2363 Well who doesn't? But more than that everything seems more polished with more and more cool drone footage and edit design. 🙂 Like you've got some enthusiastic kid helping you dress it up.... 🤔 Maybe YOU'RE the kid, I don't know, but either way it shows so nice work! Cheers
❤