View Information About HSR Ratings
This bridge has two spans, a large through plate girder and a smaller through plate girder. The larger span is quite large, and as a result the girders are very tall. The bridge also has decorative railings on the pedestrian sidewalks. The bridge sits on an 1878 substructure that predates the bridge.
This bridge is to be demolished and replaced, despite the fact that the bridge strongly contributes to the character and integrity of the historic Pennsylvania Railroad line. It is interesting to note that the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation, an organization whose name suggests an interest in historic preservation wrote a letter in response to the proposal to demolish this historic bridge stating "We are not opposed to the demolition and replacement of the South Highland Avenue Bridge." It is unclear how supporting the destruction of our nation's transportation heritage supports the organization's mission which includes "identify and save historically significant places."
Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Historic Bridge InventoryDiscussion of Bridge The 2 span, 117'-long, built up thru girder bridge built in 1925 is supported on ashlar abutments and pier. The bridge is of unequal span lengths with shallower girders used for the shorter south span. It has cantilevered sidewalks with standard pipe railings outside of the girders. Chain link fences have been added. The bridge is a very common type with no individually distinctive features or details. The bridge's significance is in association with the development of the PHMC-determined eligible PRR Main Line. It dates from the line's period of significance and it is associated with efforts to improve the safety and efficiency of the line by improving grade crossings. The bridge was built as a joint project of the railroad and the city. Discussion of Surrounding Area The bridge carries a 2 lane street and 2 sidewalks over 2 active Conrail tracks, the Port Authority's East Busway, and a city street. The setting is a mix of early 20th to late 20th century commercial buildings. The railroad is the former Pennsylvania RR (PRR) Main Line, one of the most important transportation corridors in the nation. Originally 4 tracked, 2 tracks have been removed for the busway. The PRR Main Line from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh has been determined eligible by PHMC (DOE 9/14/93). Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes |
This historic bridge has been demolished. This map is shown for reference purposes only.
Coordinates (Latitude, Longitude):
Search For Additional Bridge Listings:
Bridgehunter.com: View listed bridges within 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) of this bridge.
Bridgehunter.com: View listed bridges within 10 miles (16 kilometers) of this bridge.
Additional Maps:
Google Streetview (If Available)
GeoHack (Additional Links and Coordinates)
Apple Maps (Via DuckDuckGo Search)
Apple Maps (Apple devices only)
Android: Open Location In Your Map or GPS App
Flickr Gallery (Find Nearby Photos)
Wikimedia Commons (Find Nearby Photos)
Directions Via Sygic For Android
Directions Via Sygic For iOS and Android Dolphin Browser
USGS National Map (United States Only)
Historical USGS Topo Maps (United States Only)
Historic Aerials (United States Only)
CalTopo Maps (United States Only)
© Copyright 2003-2024, HistoricBridges.org. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer: HistoricBridges.org is a volunteer group of private citizens. HistoricBridges.org is NOT a government agency, does not represent or work with any governmental agencies, nor is it in any way associated with any government agency or any non-profit organization. While we strive for accuracy in our factual content, HistoricBridges.org offers no guarantee of accuracy. Information is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. Information could include technical inaccuracies or errors of omission. Opinions and commentary are the opinions of the respective HistoricBridges.org member who made them and do not necessarily represent the views of anyone else, including any outside photographers whose images may appear on the page in which the commentary appears. HistoricBridges.org does not bear any responsibility for any consequences resulting from the use of this or any other HistoricBridges.org information. Owners and users of bridges have the responsibility of correctly following all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, regardless of any HistoricBridges.org information.
