Trivia Tuesday, August 19

Last week's answer

Question: Which bridge is credited as the oldest in the U.S.? 

Answer: A. Frankford Avenue Bridge in Pennsylvania

Completed in 1697, the Frankford Avenue Bridge in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the first known stone arch built in the U.S. Also known as the Pennypack Creek Bridge, it is credited as the oldest bridge in the country and the oldest continuously used highway bridge in North America.

The bridge’s span is 25-feet long and the structure itself is 73 feet. It continues to carry traffic today with a 20-ton weight limit and an estimated 23,000 vehicles a day.

The three-span bridge on U.S. Route 13 was only 18 feet wide when first constructed. All male members of the surrounding community were required to contribute a share of either labor or money. 

Frankford Avenue Bridge was widened in 1893 for trolley traffic and again in 1950 to accommodate cars. It also now has a sidewalk for pedestrians.

On April 24, 1775, an express rider from Boston reportedly crossed the Frankford Avenue Bridge to deliver news of the Battle of Lexington and the start of the American Revolution. The bridge is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Sources: American Society of Civil Engineers, HistoricBridges.org