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Juniata Township near Tunnelhill in Blair County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
 

Why a Skewed Arch Bridge?

 
 
Why a Skewed Bridge? Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Byron Hooks, September 26, 2012
1. Why a Skewed Bridge? Marker
Inscription. From 1834 to 1854 the Portage Railroad passed beneath the Skew Arch Bridge. The original hand hewn stone bridge was built at right angles to the railroad. A right angle turn was arduous for a wagon to negotiate; therefore to make the crossing compatible the bridge was turned, or skewed. This compromise lasted for the twenty years the portage railroad operated.

Compromise! The continued existence of the Skew Arch Bridge is a story in itself. It proves again that new transportation systems can accommodate old even as one is slowly replacing the other.

The roadway of old US Route 22 bends to accommodate the bridge. Engineers of this highway had to change their plans in order to conserve the Skew Arch Bridge. Today’s preferred method of transportation still can make room for preserving our history. Is it always necessary to tear down the old before building the new? Continue up or down the trail to learn of other marvels of the system, and the effect it had on a young nation.
 
Erected by National Park Service.
 
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & ViaductsMan-Made FeaturesRailroads & StreetcarsRoads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1834.
 
Location. 40° 27.192′ N,
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78° 32.573′ W. Marker is near Tunnelhill, Pennsylvania, in Blair County. It is in Juniata Township. Marker is on U.S. 22, in the median. Rout 22 changes from a 2 lane road to a 4 lane and this point. Parking is available at the medium. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Duncansville PA 16635, United States of America. Touch for directions.
 
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Old Portage Rail Road Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Portage Railroad (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Portage Railroad (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Railroad Stone (approx. 0.4 miles away); Inclined Plane No. 6 (approx. 0.4 miles away); Skew Arch Bridge Trail (approx. 0.4 miles away); Allegheny Portage Railroad (approx. 0.4 miles away); Engine House No. 6 (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tunnelhill.
 
Also see . . .
1. Allegheny Portage Rail Road National Historic site. (Submitted on November 1, 2012, by Byron Hooks of Sandy Springs, Georgia.)
2. Allegheny Portage Railroad. Wikipedia (Submitted on November 1, 2012, by Byron Hooks of Sandy Springs, Georgia.) 
 
Why a Skewed Bridge Marker and the bridge image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Byron Hooks, September 26, 2012
2. Why a Skewed Bridge Marker and the bridge
Plaque mounted on the bridge image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Byron Hooks, September 26, 2012
3. Plaque mounted on the bridge
The Old Portage Rail Road monument image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Byron Hooks, September 26, 2012
4. The Old Portage Rail Road monument
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 1, 2012, by Byron Hooks of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 494 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos:   1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 1, 2012, by Byron Hooks of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.

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Mar. 28, 2024