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[graphic header] A National Register of Historic Places Travel Itinerary Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor
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[graphic] Market Street Bridge


[photo] Market Street Bridge
Photograph from National Register collection

The Market Street Bridge is one of the most important bridges crossing the Susquehanna River. Built from 1926 to 1929, it is an excellent example of a long-span 1920s urban bridge. At approximately 1,400 feet, it is one of the longest and most highly ornamented concrete bridges in Pennsylvania. This monumental 12 arch reinforced concrete and granite structure incorporated two pylons at approach; each pylon is topped with a giant carved limestone eagle. The original construction included a water gauging station and ornamental light standards. The water gauging station has been inoperable since 1943 and the light standards have all been replaced. Construction of the 12 arches was accomplished using adjustable steel trusses for centering. The six longer spans over the river comprise open spandrel arches of three wide ribs each. The end spans over the flood plain consist of shorter barrel arches with solid spandrel walls. A 1,500 foot long cable way hung from large towers on the riverbanks to convey concrete in hoppers to the middle spans. The Market Street Bridge, which replaced an earlier truss bridge, was designed by Carrere & Hastings, a renowned New York City architectural firm that also claims the New York Public Library among its many commissions.

The Market Street Bridge spans the Susquehanna River, meeting east Market St. in Wilkes-Barre.


 [graphic] Link to Canal History Essay
 [graphic] Link to Delaware and Lehigh Region Essay
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 [graphic] Link to Establishing the Heritage Corridor Essay

 

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