Lewes in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Lewes Railroad Swing Bridge
An Engineering Marvel
Photographed By Pete Skillman, April 10, 2024
1. Lewes Railroad Swing Bridge Marker
The Lewes railroad swing bridge, originally designated Bridge No. 38.71 by the Pennsylvania Railroad, carried the Delaware Coast Line Railroad and predecessor railroads over the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal. Built in 1916 by the Army Corps of Engineers as part of the canal construction, this swing bridge replaced a wooden trestle bridge that crossed Lewes Creek, which became the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal.
The bridge itself weighs 162,000 lbs. (81 tons) and is a Bobtail/Asymmetrical design, which means the supporting pedestal is located off center.
From an engineering standpoint, the design of the 91'-3" long bridge is quite elegant. The 81 ton bridge is balanced on a 12" diameter bearing disc on which the bridge rotates. Despite its weight, this design allowed the bridge to be manually rotated by merely "walking" a steel bar in circles.
The bridge design has endured the test of time. The only change required over its 100+ years of service was the addition of navigation lights.
Erected by Lewes Junction Railroad and Bridge Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1916.
Location. 38° 46.617′
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lewes Station (here, next to this marker); The Fort Miles Connection (a few steps from this marker); The Historic Lewes Canal Railroad Swing Bridge (a few steps from this marker); Mayor Otis Smith (approx. 0.3 miles away); Menhaden Fisheries (approx. 0.3 miles away); Lighthouses (approx. 0.3 miles away); Over Calm Waters (approx. 0.4 miles away); Preservation (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lewes.
Also see . . . Video of the Swing Bridge Rotation in Action. (Submitted on April 10, 2024, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.)
Photographed By Pete Skillman, April 10, 2024
2. Lewes Railroad Swing Bridge Marker wide view
Photographed By Pete Skillman, April 10, 2024
3. Wide view of the swing bridge
Credits. This page was last revised on April 11, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 10, 2024, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware. This page has been viewed 42 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 10, 2024, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
