Mission Street Bridge East

Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Historic Bridge Inventory

Discussion of Bridge

The 3-span, continuous, 225'-long, built-up thru girder bridge built in 1939 is supported on Moderne-style concrete bents with stepped back columns and brackets. The ashlar abutments appear to date to the previous bridge. The haunched girders have the characteristic greatest depth over the piers where the stresses are greatest. Cantilevered steel stringer sidewalks are supported on metal brackets. The bridge is finished with custom-designed Moderne-style metal railings with balusters repeating the stepped pattern of the bent columns. The continuous design was an important improvement in steel stringer and girder bridges nationally beginning in the late 1920s and early 1930s. In Pennsylvania, the continuous designs appeared somewhat later in the late 1930s and early 1940s when state and municipal engineers adopted the design because of the economy it achieved in comparison to simply supported spans of similar length. The 1939 bridge and its nearly identical companion span (BMS# 0273010003061) are early and complete examples of long-span, handsome architectonic, continuous steel girder bridges designed by the City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Works. Handsome architectonic.

Discussion of Surrounding Area

The bridge carries a 2 lane road and sidewalks over a 2 lane street and contractor's yard on Pittsburgh's South Side. At the northwest quadrant is a large brick municipal water pumping station (ca. 1900, see photo with 0273010003061, a nearly identical bridge located approximately 300' to the west). The area to the east is dominated by late-19th to early 20th century residences with replacement siding, windows, and additions. The setting does not have the cohesiveness or integrity of a potential historic district, although the pumping station may have individual significance.

Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes