Abandoned Bridge Deep in the Pennsylvania Woods, How Long Will it Stand?

[@workingunderwater]

Glad to see im not the only one that cares about forgotten structures. Thanks for making this

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Glad you like the video.

[@workingunderwater]

@ How do you find your bridges? do you just happen upon them or do you search for them on the Internet first?.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

@@workingunderwater I do research on the internet and call the local county highway departments before I make a trip.

[@Brianwitherow-ii7oi]

This bridge is located a few miles from my residence. I crossed it one time before it was closed and I was working for Clearfield County at the time the County Engineer deemed the bridge unsafe and it was closed. Faunce is the name of a village along Clearfield Creek. I assume you approached the location from Rt. 153 and then Sanborn St. If you had stayed on Sanborn St., you would have passed through the village of Sanborn and the next village you would come to would be Faunce. There is a modern bridge crossing Clearfield Creek at that location. Hope you enjoyed your visit to Clearfield County!

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Thanks for the info! This was my 2nd trip to Clearfield County and while there I shot video on almost 20 historic bridges in the county. I'll be releasing each of thos videos over the next few years.

[@danlowe8684]

I'd say the bridge has many years left in it. The main trusses are all intact and the load has been lightened drastically with no decking materials or traffic to support. The only thing that could take this out would be flooding - of which this bad boy has seen many bad ones and survived!! Great video!

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

I agree!

[@walterweddle7644]

We have an old bridge like this that was moved from the road to our huge walking trail. As you walk the park trail you may walk across the bridge. I was happy that it was saved. It has new paint and looks like a new vintage bridge.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Where was it located?

[@walterweddle7644]

Near Boggstown Indiana.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

@@walterweddle7644 Can you give me a GPS location?

[@janking2762]

There is another in Yorklyn Delaware, repurposed and refurbished from a Pennsylvania state park.

[@joshlaubach8166]

That bridge was in use when I was a kid.

[@daveshoemaker261]

Thank you for preserving a piece of history. Though it is only a bridge, it still is someone creation and design and history to the rest of us.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Exactly! That's what this project is all about...documenting the historic buildings, bridges and towns now so that generations 100+ years from now will be able to understand what we were so fortunate to enjoy in 2014. I've produced over 770 documentaries on everything from one room school houses to cathedrals and have almost 450 more videos I've shot but still need to be edited.

[@docdeth904]

You need to come to Pittsburgh and surrounding areas to see the bridges out here, many built in the late 1800's and still in use.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Hopefully I'll get there this coming summer.

[@PAOutdoorsCouple]

Excellent! We love filming these old bridges, trestles and tunnels. Great video. Cheers

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

They are beautiful when you find them.

[@merccadoosis8847]

That area must be absolutely gorgeous in Summer time. Thanx for sharing.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

I've been there twice, each time in the Fall and it was spectacular.

[@MissRailfan]

As a former CFD resident. It is beautiful in the county overall

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

@@MissRailfan Absolutely!

[@travelingwithminnievangogh]

I so enjoyed this beautiful trip with you through your photos. Thank you for preserving these moments in time.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

You are most welcome!

[@TerriDavis-yj9qd]

Another beautiful day in Central PA❤

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

I've never been disappointed with Pennsylvania.

[@gslope1]

I am affiliated with the Township on the opposite side of where you came in. It is a County owned bridge, and the access roads are Township roads. Three years ago, the Township was notified that this bridge is to be removed, and engineering was under way as to the method. No solid date has been given.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Thanks for the info! I think the township removed another bridge on that road earlier this year, is that right?

[@gslope1]

@@historyinyourownbackyard2363 That is correct. The state condemned it. It was to be redone, but money is too tight so it had to be removed. People ford the little run it went over.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

@@gslope1 thanks for the info!

[@Sal834]

My new favorite video of yours! Wow. Very cool! Thank you for all the hard work and sharing, it is very much appreciated!

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Glad you are enjoying the project!

[@MattMcCormick502-4]

Its still such a beautiful feat of early engineering. Excellent video, proud to be a new subscriber!

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Glad you like the video and the project.

[@herts9999]

Those drone shots were great

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Thanks! That's the only way to get some of these shots.

[@jeffs5093]

That bridge is certainly in bad shape, but I wouldn't be surprised if it stood for a few more years. As always thanks for another great video.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Someone here on KZbin mentioned that the county has a contract with the state to have it removed. So its days are definitely numbered.

[@thewyseguy]

I was there about 6 years ago. My GPS takes me on some dirt roads in my travels. The damned GPS thought the bridge was still active, LOL!

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Now that's funny! :)

[@rupe53]

@@historyinyourownbackyard2363 that's actually pretty common with a GPS as their routing is only as good as the map, which in some areas haven't been updated in 20 - 30 years. Got a customer who is off-grid in Dutches County NY. Their street address brings you to a bridge that was washed out 20 years ago. The alternative access to this 500 acre camp is an old logging road that is 1.75 miles of Billy goat trail. House built in the mid 1800s and never had utilities. Talk about stepping back in time!

[@djseiner]

Thanks for posting this. I enjoyed watching and learning from you.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

You are most welcome!

[@Pablo_Del_Norte]

Thanks for sharing.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

You're welcome!

[@musclecarmitch908]

Beautiful old bridge and beautiful location! Glad it still stands! Great video work! Thanks for sharing !👍

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

You're welcome. Someone just told me this morning that the county, who owns the bridge, has a contract with the state to have the bridge removed. It won't be around forever.

[@musclecarmitch908]

@historyinyourownbackyard2363 that's sad to hear, but at least you have it documented on video so it can live on!👍

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

@@musclecarmitch908 exactly.

[@maryj2671]

Check out Nebraska Bridge some time over by Tionesta PA, very interesting too. This bridge site is beautiful! thank you for sharing it !

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Never heard of it but I'll check it out. Thanks for the tip!

[@bulbman7080]

​@@historyinyourownbackyard2363 Plan to do so when not flooded!

[@lpe655]

The County tore ours down about 15 years ago......and it still had a walkable deck.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Where exactly was it located?

[@scottbryant2235]

Love your work in videos. There are a couple of (gone) bridges near my home town South Lebanon, down stream on the Little Miami River. One repurposed as a bike trail and the other gone. I think they were some how connected with the railroad and Lebanon Ohio.

[@carlkraus6034]

There are bridges like that in my area. I live in the Cayuga County area of NY State. The bridges are steel decked over the Seneca River. They are closed but are used by local foot traffic.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

I was planning to go up to Wayne County this Fall but never made it. Hopefully next year I can make it to both counties.

[@CarlExplores]

Swatara state park in lebanon county pa has two of these old bridges set up in the park. One as an observation walk and one to cross the river that goes through the park. Beautiful structures.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

How cool is that???

[@palmlimit9297]

The Clearfield River which flows under this bridge can be kayaked starting in Ashville PA Cambria county where route 36 crosses it. (Best done in late spring.)

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Good idea!

[@Argumedies]

Nice place to go camping

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

I agree!

[@mikebritton8798]

I felt like I was falling into the creek when the drone started across the bridge.😮. What a beautiful part of the world. The bridge even adds a bit of majestic nostalgia. Memories for anyone who ever used it. Thanks for the video.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Glad you liked it!

[@charlietanner6211]

thank you for posting very informantive intesting

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

You're welcome.

[@cat275hp]

Nice video. Too bad the state can't turn this into a pedestrian bridge, since it's right near the Dimeling Medera hiking trail. They could expand the trail system with use of the bridge. If you're ever over near Butler, there is McConnell's Mill State Park. In the park where Cheeseman Rd. & Ekert Bridge Rd meet, there is a ghost bridge.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

I just looked it up on Google Maps! Pretty Neat! Next time I'm out that way I'll try to make a stop there.

[@manko4028]

I live close to the bridge, been there many times. On each end at the top used to be cast iron plaques with the 1800's date on them, but someone took them.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

I was looking for the plaques when I was there but they were already gone.

[@timhallas4275]

This is probably a favored swimming and partying spot for youngsters. When I was late teens, we used to drive about half an hour to a place known as Blue Hole,near the Yough river near Smithton Pa. It was all about sun and water and beer.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

It is a beautiful area.

[@Del_Monico]

Thanks for the nice video.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

You're welcome!

[@njh4473]

Just found your channel and subscribed, great content keep up the good work.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Glad you like the project!

[@SteamCrane]

I was thinking another Atlantic PA, 41.50834748435379, -80.33855076721497, about 140 miles west of the bridge. Atlantic is a census-designated place in Crawford County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 77 at the 2010 census, up from 43 in 2000. It has abandoned railroad bridges, and some live ones. PA is so beautiful! Have you been to Kinzua Viaduct? Well worth the trip.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

I haven't been to the viaduct yet.....but it's on my list for next year.

[@jackwalsh1468]

Satolli, another awesome history lesson, drone footage and back story. Thank you for all you do. Will any of the ladies be doing any future episodes? Did you catch the fire/damage/repairing of the "Daniel Carter Beard Bridge" in Cincinnati? Cheers, Mate.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Yes the ladies will be back for videos I do on buildings and towns. These are all videos from "Bridge Trips" I've been taking over the years. And yes I did see the fire under the "Big Mac" bridge. Very intense.

[@jackwalsh1468]

@@historyinyourownbackyard2363 That is very good to know. Cheers, Mate.

[@PrimephotoStudio]

Nice job on the video!

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.

[@MissRailfan]

I lived in cfd county from 16-19 and i never saw that bridge before but i heard of the bridge. Id like to find it before penndot takes it out. Theres ome at Bells Landing the state i believe closed. Ive been to that bridge a few times. Rjc crews used to use it to get to the rr crossing on the other side of the West Branch of The Susquehanna River. You can see the AMD tint to Clearfield Creek in your video 😥😥😥

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Can you give me the location of the other bridge?

[@DelayedGenre]

Great fall colors.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Yes they were!

[@aaronschulte3207]

Nice video 🎉

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Thanks!

[@aaronschulte3207]

Thank you Satolie

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

You are most welcome.

[@themp9692]

The bridge is right outside of Faunce. That’s why it’s called the Faunce bridge.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

But I can't find "Faunce on any maps or through a Google search.

[@themp9692]

@@historyinyourownbackyard2363 A simple search of Faunce in a gps app shows Faunce. If I could show a pic of mine I would

[@themp9692]

@ according to Waze Faunce is 8.5 miles away from me. It’s in Boggs Township, clearfield County, PA. The pin drop for it from Waze is right after the Faunce rd bridge where Maple Dr breaks off on the 90degree turn of Faunce road. Locals in the area all call this area Faunce. Try talking to us.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

@@themp9692 OK, thanks!

[@josepheomelia9951]

The Faunce truss bridge was on State Route 2012 the State replaced the truss. I believe the Kelly Town bridge may have been owned by Clearfield County

[@jimlobb963]

Woodward Township, where you stand, Knox Township on the other side. It is set by the County for removal.

[@jimlobb963]

Faunce is to your right. Very small community, turn Left at the Sanborn intersection.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

That's what I hear.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

@@jimlobb963 Thanks!

[@milktruck9345]

That's awesome good place to fish and no warden would bother you.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

I never saw any fish in that creek.

[@wallsknob]

Have you visited "Great Crossings" of the Youghiogheny River or "Little Crossings" of the Casselman River?

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

No I have not. Where are they located?

[@kathyhodson2526]

Thank you

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

You are most welcome!

[@Motherslug-q7l]

Nice video and location 👍🏻👍🏻. You should checkout Pennsylvania Lehigh Valley, Coplay township "Saylor Park Cement Kilns" oldest still standing and old Railroad line, lot to see and explore in such a small area at key locations on the 4-mile line, which still has some old railcars that haven't moved since the 40's.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Thanks for the tip. I've never heard of it till now. Are you associated with any of those sites like a county employee or a local historical society?

[@HenryFrederick]

What's on the other side of the bridge?

[@OLDSPANKY1967]

That Ghost Road Should Be A Walking & Bike Trail.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

I agree.

[@arlingtontrains7]

Right off the bat I can tell that’s not a railroad bridge, not beefy enough to hold up a train, then again it’s mentioned it’s a road bridge

[@herbertv827]

Kellytown bridge, it is still owned by the state. Ironically for sale like many other old iron bridges in the state. Just search for pa bridges for sale and it will come up under the 121' and longer bridges.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

I did not know that! Thanks!

[@johnleca]

thanks very cool

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

You're welcome!

[@alfabeech]

The location of near Atlantic PA is incorrect, although you are showing the correct location in your video. It's 147 miles from Atlantic.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

The village of Atlantic is only 3 miles southeast of the bridge. You're thinking of Atlantic in Crawford County. This Atlantic is in Clearfield County.

[@alfheib]

It's a shame that Pennsylvania can't do some money repairs to that to make it a walking bridge well not minor but major repairs to make it a walking bridge and since it's a trail already there have a true on the other side things like this don't exist anymore.. so when we just preserve the ones we have and use them for all the things because there's no way it's going to be used for vehicle traffic anymore..

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

I agree.

[@bryanclark5924]

Faunce is the name of a small town on the other side of the river

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Yes, that's what I've heard.

[@martinco712]

There is a bridge in Delta PA in york country.

[@bobtrevorah2305]

Nice video! Too bad the creek is polluted with acid mine drainage. Would be great for trout.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

I shot video on about 25 bridges in Clearfield County and couldn't figure out why some of the creeks had that rust color. Then I asked a local and found out about the mines. I'm from Indiana so I didn't have a clue.

[@lickaballsack]

There is a bridge just like this one on the outskirts of beech mountain lakes down creek from the old Angela Park in drums pa . Remember it as a kid has old well near it n old train fill hopper looking thing Al's there

[@campermike8879]

Getting more adventitious with your car and off roading lol. Something doesn’t sound happy with it though. Hear a whine Love them bridges wish they leave them open for pedestrians if they are safe enough. Hope you got to some locations i sent you. Hope to see them soon. I am in poor health and may now be here to see the videos years from now. 😢

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

That whine was the power steering pump on my Ford Focus. I replaced the pump and then sold the car and bought a Subaru Crosstrek. What locations did you send me? I'm trying to remember.

[@campermike8879]

Quite a few mostly around sw VA. I just remembered another I like you to check out if its still there and accessible. It’s been 4 years since i been to it this coming week.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

@@campermike8879 I was planning on spending a few days filming in Lee County, Virginia next week if everything works out.

[@rupe53]

The way they built these old things I suspect there'd be almost no change in another 50 years and most of it will still be standing in 100 years. Obviously the wood is the first to rot away but steel takes a LONG time, especially without road salt or the vibration of traffic.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

You're exactly right.

[@themp9692]

Glad to see the trashcan. We always picked up and filled up our trash totes when we went there. Other side of the river someone took a couch down.. and then someone burned it. We have tons of history in this area. A few “Iron Bridges” etc. lots of old railroad paths to explore. Makes riding fun. Just wish we knew the history on the stuff

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

The Clearfield County Historical Society should be able to answer any questions you might have.

[@donnasilver940]

They should fix it for walking at least.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Good idea!

[@Flaktower-expert]

I mean its very far out of the way, even for walking. Plus the county doesn't look like it has the most funds to spare.

[@donnasilver940]

@Flaktower-expert Yeah I see what u mean .But it's beautiful there

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

@@donnasilver940 You should take a drive and check it out before its gone.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

@@Flaktower-expert I think the county has a contract with the state to have it removed.

[@bryanclark5924]

Crossed this bridge in a 3/4 ton F-250 back in 89-90

[@MrBugman2525]

The county or the state should make it a bike trail

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

I agree.

[@richardlyon7352]

People stop there daily on sxs it's like a meeting spot

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

I've been down there twice and never saw anyone...but that was during the week though.

[@RobertSpence-w3n]

It looks like the Norfolk West Virginia Railroad bridges in my neck of the Pennsylvania woods. Maintenance is so overrated..

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Where are you located?

[@RobertSpence-w3n]

@@historyinyourownbackyard2363 The Mon Valley Western PA. I have written to everyone I know. They continue to use unsafe bridges.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

@@RobertSpence-w3n Can you give me a few examples with their locations?

[@RobertSpence-w3n]

I tried sending photos, I get invalid address on your @histry.....

[@RobertSpence-w3n]

@@historyinyourownbackyard2363 the entire line from Pittsburgh to Connellsville PA and beyond. They just finished replacing all the rails and ties yet the bridges and steel work is in deplorable condition, Cross braces actually rusted through. The worst one is the base of the K bridge in Charleroi PA where it crosses the Monongahela River. about 1/2 mile inland where a trussell crosses Twilight Hollow Road the bridge should be condemned. I began looking closely at the structures when I noticed how slowly the trains travel over them when loaded. The empty traffic moves somewhat faster. I even met with PA Dept of Transportation and reps from the rail line. The bottom line is " they don't have to make repairs to the bridges as long as they have a plan to make repairs" Some of my photos show inspection slips attached to the structures, but they are not accessible from the ground. I grew up around these bridges and I do remember they were painted in the 1960's. They are over 100 years old. School buses travel under them every day. If the high one along route 88 near Finleyville comes down it will take out the Montana Bridge on Interstate 43. I am getting too old to fight government, I hope you can pick up the torch on this.

[@joeanderson9852]

👍👍

[@ArtStoneUS]

Was it a railroad bridge or a bridge for horses and buggies?

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

It was built as a bridge for horses and buggies.

[@rupe53]

the clue is the 90 degree turn from the road. RR always has a long sweeping bend for an approach.

[@HillsWorkbench]

@@historyinyourownbackyard2363 Yeah, would have appreciated a bit on why the bridge was needed and why no longer... It wasn't a trivial investment!

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

@@HillsWorkbench good question! I couldn't find those answers in my research.

[@johnswigler6512]

🧢🇺🇸

[@stevegrund7458]

That appears to be a Whipple truss bridge, and my understanding is that few are left. The diagonal tension rods cross two of the rectangles formed by the vertical members instead of the more common Pratt Truss design, where just one rectangle is crossed. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truss_bridge#/media/File:Whipple-truss.svg

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

I believe it is a early Pratt/Whipple truss bridge built by the Pittsburgh Bridge Company.

[@paulcraven4652]

The state would charge the tax payer 100.000 plus to take it down But some one would do it for the scrap value It is very cool tho.nice video .

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

It will definitely cost some money to bring it down. Glad you like the video.