Lincoln Avenue Bridge

Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Historic Bridge Inventory

Discussion of Bridge

The 2-span, 427'-long, stone arch bridge built in 1906 is laid up in ashlar masonry. In 1979, a concrete deck was placed, and the original decorative metal railings with a fleur-de-lis pattern reset in modern concrete parapets. Chain link fences and modern highway lighting were also added. The handsome stone arch bridge ranks as a long example of its type that is among the oldest surviving major ravine-crossing bridges in Pittsburgh. It represents the beginning efforts of the city government to improve Pittsburgh's roads by systematically spanning the many ravines that posed barriers to suburban expansion in the early 20th century. It was built to carry both highway and streetcar traffic serving residences in east Pittsburgh. The stone arch bridge is historically and technologically significant.

Discussion of Surrounding Area

The bridge carries a 2 lane street with 2 sidewalks over a 4 lane highway in a setting of 20th-century commercial and light industrial development. Crossing Lincoln Avenue on a steel thru girder and stone arch overpass at the bridge's east end is an active Conrail line, the former Pennsylvania RR's Brilliant branch line that connects the Main Line with industrial plants and boroughs across the Allegheny River, and provides a freight bypass around the city. The Lincoln Avenue bridge's abutment adjoins the pier of the stone arch railroad bridge.

Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes