Schofield Ford Bridge

 

The Portal -- Under Construction!

Schofield Ford Bridge is located in Tyler State Park near Newtown, Bucks County. Before 1991, the bridge was open to foot and equestrian traffic. In October, 1991, the original structure was burnt, apparently in an act of vandalism.

In late November 1994, only the supports and approaches remained standing in Neshaminy Creek.

Fundraising for the restoration of the bridge began immediately after the fire, and the restoration is now nearly complete (August 1997). However, the bridge is still closed to all traffic.

 

 

Original Style

The restoration has followed the original plan as far as possible,with the interior structure secured by wood pegs, for example, rather than more modern bolts. The town truss is reinforced by an angular board structure somewhat resembling a Burr Truss. It is quite long for a Town Truss bridge, having two spans, supported in the middle by a stone pier reinforced with concrete.The small diamond-shaped windows, an unique feature of the original structure, are repeated, of course.

Windows and Pier

To get to Schofield Ford Bridge, leave Newtown on Swamp Road. (From the Newtown Bypass, just go straight ahead, and you find yourself on Swamp Road). Take a left into the park at the sign and park in the parking lot at the edge of the trees. You will go down a quite steep path to a graded road. Follow the graded road to the left until you come to the bridge.

This way ...To the Driving Tour