To serve as a creative mitigation product for the Adverse Effect of the Meadows Road Bridge project, NTM Engineering, Inc. cultural resources staff created a story map that documents the presence of 14 remaining stone arch bridges in Northampton County. NTM performed background research and consulted with PennDOT and Northampton County representatives to identify the bridges, and then conducted field views to photograph each structure. The project not only created awareness to Pennsylvania’s historical infrastructure, but also provides accessibility and sustainability for years to come.
Stone arch bridges are disappearing, often due to age and the inability to carry today’s heavy traffic loads. Additionally, they are difficult and expensive to restore and maintain. Documentation contributes to community awareness of these cultural artifacts and the story map allows them to live on.
Managed by PennDOT, the story map uses ESRI technology to create an accessible and interactive way for the public, professionals, students, historical societies, and other organizations to engage with a particular type of historic resource in a specific locality. The online platform makes the story map simple to access from a mobile device in the field. No additional project funds were necessary to “print” or “distribute” the sustainable online product.
A story map connects historic preservation in the community with economic development and heritage tourism. In an era with technology at our fingertips, the creation of the ArcGIS Story Map is a unique way to bring PA’s hidden historical gems to a wider audience.
You can view the story map here: Stone Arch Bridges of Northampton County (arcgis.com).