Ponakin Bridge

Ponakin Bridge is an iron structure spanning the Nashua River with eight panel sections supported by stone abutments on each bank. The design employs a truss framework typical of late 1800s bridge engineering and served to carry vehicle traffic across the river until the crossing became unsafe.

It was built in 1871 as a replacement for wooden river crossings that dated back to the colonial era and had become outdated. The construction method incorporated a patented design from the 1860s that allowed for stronger, longer-lasting metal structures.

The name reflects the location's role as a local crossing point that linked communities on opposite sides of the Nashua River. Today it represents how small towns in Massachusetts relied on such structures to connect distant neighborhoods and facilitate commerce.

The crossing sits several miles north of Lancaster's downtown and is accessible from Ponakin Road, though it no longer carries traffic. Visitors should exercise caution and check local conditions before approaching, as structural issues have made the bridge unsafe for crossing.

This is the only all-metal Post truss bridge remaining in the entire country, built using the exact connection methods from the original 1863 patent. Few examples of this specific engineering approach have survived to the present day.

Location: Massachusetts

GPS coordinates: 42.48111,-71.68583

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:46