Stone arch bridges across the country are being torn down and replaced with simpler (yet less aesthetically pleasing) caste bridges.  However, some communities have tried to preserve these pieces of history.  A small rural community in the hills of north central Pennsylvania sought our aid in just such a project.

This particular bridge had been re pointed and plastered underneath with a straight Portland concrete mix that was far too hard for the stone and did not allow moisture to escape.  In fact, some of the stones were damaged and replaced while removing joints-the Portland mix being harder than the stone itself.

After removing the Portland mix the bridge was re-pointed and plastered with a much softer mix and the cap stones re-set in a new wash.