Ouaquaga Lenticular Truss Bridge

The Ouaquaga Lenticular Truss Bridge is a historic metal structure crossing the Susquehanna River with two identical through trusses featuring a lens-shaped design. Its construction uses ten pin-connected panels that demonstrate metal engineering methods typical of the late 1800s.

Built in 1888 by the Berlin Iron Bridge Company, this double-span structure employed advanced construction techniques that allowed longer spans while using less material. The design represents an important step forward in bridge engineering of that period.

The location near the former Iroquois settlement of Onaquaga ties this structure to Native American presence in the Susquehanna River Valley. Walking here connects you to centuries of indigenous history in this region.

The bridge has been closed to vehicle traffic since 2008, but remains open to pedestrians for walking and inspection. You can examine the metal framework and pin connections up close to understand the engineering details.

The structure incorporates a 13-degree skew in its design, requiring complex engineering solutions to handle the asymmetrical forces. This unusual angle demonstrates how 19th-century engineers solved difficult site conditions.

Location: New York

Architects: Berlin Iron Bridge Co.

GPS coordinates: 42.12330,-75.64780

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:40