Furness Stone Masonry Arch Bridge

The Furness Bridge was built in 1916 and designed to serve as a focal point in the entryway to Upper Bank Nursery. Spanning 60-ft across Ridley Creek, and nearly 100 ft. in total length, the concrete and stone masonry bridge consists of two 16-ft spans and one 20-ft center span.

Pennoni proposed a unique conceptual design – construct a new bridge within the existing bridge. The final design called for removal of the roadway and earthen fill over the existing concrete arch rings and masonry walls. The non-structural fill was then replaced with a reinforced concrete slab made integral with the existing arch spans and masonry façade. The compromised third span arch required full replacement. The design also included waterline concrete aprons for the piers and abutments and a stream ford crossing to maintain pedestrian access.

To allow for work within Ridley Creek, Pennoni worked closely with PADEP to secure necessary permits in just 30 days. Final contract drawings were developed directly from the 3D scan data. Final design was completed in less than three months, followed by bid advertisement assistance culminating with the selection of bridge contractors J.D. Eckman for the construction, which was completed in December 2015.