Crossman Bridge
Also known as: Gilbert Road Bridge
Why it's listed
Crossman Bridge, also called the Gilbert Road Bridge, carries Gilbert Road across the Quaboag River just outside West Warren, Massachusetts. The Berlin Iron Bridge Company built the 73-foot wrought-iron pony truss in 1888 under a $2,175 contract approved by town meeting. Its lens-shaped profile, pinned joints, lattice railing and cast-iron finials are typical of the firm's work. Local abutments were replaced in the late 1930s, and about 15 percent of the truss work was replaced during repairs from 2004 to 2008. The bridge is notable as one of only three lenticular truss bridges still standing in place in Massachusetts, and the only pony truss among them. It represents the period before standardized steel, riveted designs took over. It also reflects Warren's industrial peak, when nearby businesses such as the Crossman edge-tool factory relied on sturdy bridges. The bridge still carries traffic today.
Significance in brief: It is one of only three surviving lenticular truss bridges remaining in place in Massachusetts, and the only surviving pony truss of the type. It shows early metal-truss design with wrought iron, pinned connections and a patented truss pattern. It also reflects Warren's late 19th-century industrial prosperity.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 10001065, listed December 27, 2010. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | Gilbert Rd over Quaboag River, Warren |
|---|---|
| County | Worcester County |
| Listed | December 27, 2010 |
| Reference number | 10001065 |
| Resource type | Structure |
| Period of significance | 1888-1960 |
| Architect / builder | Berlin Iron Bridge Company, fabrication, erection |
| Architectural style | OTHER: lenticular truss bridge |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Engineering |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | The bridge remains in service, posted with a five-ton, two-axle truck limit, and was renovated in 2004-2008. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 42.21036, -72.24546 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
For a publicly owned building or structure, listing mainly matters when federal funds, permits or licences are involved: projects then go through Section 106 review so effects on the property are considered. Listing also strengthens applications for preservation grants and, for leased income-producing uses, can enable the federal rehabilitation tax credit.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 10001065.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q16890708
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.