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Friday, June 4, 2010

Bridge Reflections 1.1

Some time ago, the Pennsylvania Department Of Transportation (PennDOT) released a list of bridges and their status.  The status reflects the condition of the bridge and it's ability to handle traffic.  Several bridges near me were identified as 'Structurally Deficient' which means "the bridge has deterioration to one or more of its major components ".

When returning to work from lunch the other day, I noticed there were police and construction people all over one of these 'Structurally Deficient' bridges.  They changed the traffic pattern so traffic only flows in one direction to reduce the load on the bridge.  The bridge also has some nasty curves leading to it which contribute to many accidents.


I did some investigation on the PennDOT website and discovered this bridge was constructed in ... 1838!!!  (I'm not sure if I believe that date)


The website has lots of other information on the condition of the bridge (wait a few seconds for Google Maps to switch to street view), but I was fascinated to learn that it was built so long ago.  Since this is a major road, I'm assuming the bridge will be demolished and replaced with a boring, ugly modern structure, so I decided to get up close and personal and get some shots.  I hope you enjoy it. Too bad no one was around to video tape my approach to the bridge.  It was very overgrown with lots of poison ivy and I was doing all kinds of funky steps to avoid it.

Submitted for Weekend Reflections #37 and Shadow Shot #108 (I actually try to get multiple themes in my photos)



Canon EF-S 10-22mm f3.4-3.5 USM lens
10mm Focal Length
Exposure 1/80 sec @ f5.6
ISO 200
Curves adjusted

26 comments:

Cezar and Léia said...

wow ancient and magnificent bridge!
I like the arches and also those stones.Fabulous composition!
Happy weekend
Léia

Carolyn Ford said...

I love the wide angle on this SO close bridge. Great lens! Wonderful composition and refreshing reflections through the arch! Nice.

Sylvia K said...

Terrific capture and, yes, superb composition and angle! And I do love the watery reflection! Hope you have a great weekend!

Sylvia

cieldequimper said...

It's a beauty, I hope they end up restoring it rather than pulling it down or constructing a modern one right next to it.

Lol, 1838 is so young! Try googling the Pont Neuf in Paris, still there since sometime in the early 1600s (I forget the exact date) and full of traffic at peak times!

James said...

That's a really cool old bridge. I bet most people don't even notice it when the pass. I'm glad that you took the time to stop. It will be a shame if they destroy it. Maybe they will build the new bridge close by and keep this one like the Eight Arch bridge?


I'd like to thank you for reminding me about poison ivy. I don't think it grows in California. In Pennsylvania I've gone hiking in the woods off of the trails MANY times wearing shorts and short sleeves and posion ivy didn't even enter my mind. I just did a little research and now I feel very blessed. I also need to watch for ticks Yikes!

Regina said...

Like the bridge! Great reflections!

michael said...

Great shot. I love the wide angle view. Have to get myself that lens.

Clytie said...

Wow. What a beautiful bridge - I'm so glad you stopped to take pictures!

Birdman said...

Love bridgeworks... love this composition.

Gerald (SK14) said...

They should perhaps build a new bridge for the traffic but preserve this for its hstory and as a quiet alternative route. Keep documenting it whatever ahppens.

Diane AZ said...

Wow, marvelous old bridge and reflections! Good thing you stopped to take pictures as it might not be there much longer.

Marka said...

They don't make bridges like they used to. All the new ones lack the character found in old bridges like this one.

Anonymous said...

I really like the sense of mass and the textures in this one Wayne. I'd love to see this in B&W. It would be a winner. Not that the color version is any slouch mind you. LOL

Unknown said...

this is a beautiful stone bridge. i know what you mean by "boring, ugly modern structure"...most of our bridges here are boring.:p

Rob said...

Love old bridges like this rather than the typical unimaginative concrete and steel structures.

EG CameraGirl said...

Too bad the bridge is deteriorating. It's a pretty one!

Kaori said...

It may be old but it's beautifully made! I really like all the bricks...maybe the city will find a way to preserve or strengthen the bridge :)

Halcyon said...

A very quaint little bridge. I hope it doesn't crumble away!

VioletSky said...

Hope you didn't get any poison ivy in your scramble to get this wonderful view!
I was hoping that maybe this could be saved for pedestrians and another one alongside it built for heavy traffic, but after seeing the map view, I think that is unlikely.

Coffeeveggie addict. said...

Fantastic bridge!amazing architecturc designe

Earnest said...

Yeah, lots of bridges in bad shape in Oklahoma too but none were constructed in the 1800's. I think rivers were still being forded here then.

Nefertiti said...

magnifique !

Suburban Girl said...

They sure don't build them like they used to. I am glad you have caught it in a state of beauty...although it may be a crumbling beauty.

Louis la Vache said...

Woody, «Louis» is delighted that you participated in Sunday Bridges. He's embarrassed that he hasn't gotten by to comment sooner. He's not been able to spend much time on-line since last Friday, so he's very late in "making his rounds"... This is a fine contribution to Sunday Bridges!

Kim, USA said...

That is way beautiful and awesome. Great shot! Happy Sunday!

Running Squirrel

Cai - weekdayphotos.com said...

Great photo!
If your interessted check out my unique photo challenge website www.weekdayphotos.com, every weekday has its own theme and a different photo challenge every week.
The themes are:

Monday - Creative Colors
Tuesday - Macro
Wednesday - 2 of a kind
Thursday - Urban
Friday - Sunset

The winning photo for every theme/week gets their photo published on the website, check it out and ill be glad if you would join :)

Have a good one!