| Key Facts |
| Bridge Name | Facility Carried / Feature Intersected | Location | Structure Type | Construction Date / Builder or Contractor |
| Old Blairsville Bridge | Market Street Over Conemaugh River | Blairsville: Indiana County, Pennsylvania and Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania | Metal Riveted Baltimore Through Truss, Stationary | 1935 By: |
| Technical Facts |
| Rehabilitation Date | Structure Length | Main Span Length | Roadway Width | Bridge Width | Main Spans | Approach Spans |
| 1993 | 358 Feet (109.1 Meters) | 283 Feet (86.3 Meters) | 31.1 Feet (9.5 Meters) | 35 Feet (10.7 Meters) | 1 | 1 Through Plate Girder |
At first glance this appears to be an attractive standard plan 1930s truss in Pennsylvania. For the most part it is, however unlike most other bridges from this period in the state which utilize the Pratt or Parker truss configurations, this bridge is a Baltimore. This gives this bridge more significance than other bridges from the period. Extensive lattice and v-lacing on the built-up beams of this bridge add greatly to the high level of aesthetic value this bridge enjoys.
This bridge also enjoys a reduced traffic load, since the new Blairsville Bridge, dating to 1951, passes by to the north of this bridge. Thus, the preservation of the Old Blairsville Bridge should be considered feasible.
Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Historic Bridge InventoryDiscussion of Bridge The skewed, 2-span, 358'-long bridge with a 283' long riveted Baltimore thru truss main span and a thru girder approach span is supported on concrete abutments with wingwalls and a concrete pier. All members of the high capacity truss are built up. The panels are subdivided with a substrut and a hanger to pick up the intermediate floor beam. Although a large heavy truss, the bridge has no innovative or distinctive details. It is an example of a technology that is well represented in the western part of the state with its long river crossings. It is reflective of common period technology and is not historically or technologically significant. The plaque states that the first bridge at this crossing was placed in 1823. This is the fourth bridge. Discussion of Surrounding Area The bridge carries a 2 lane street over two active Conrail railroad tracks in Blairsville in a setting that is a mix of parking lots, modern buildings and the 1907 freight depot. The SHPO has determined that Blairsville is not a potential historic district. The railroad line crossed is the former Western Pennsylvania line the Pennsylvania RR improved as a low grade freight route. It is not a significant line. It is operated by Conrail. Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: No |
