| Key Facts |
| Bridge Name | Facility Carried / Feature Intersected | Location | Structure Type | Construction Date / Builder or Contractor |
| Pennsylvania Avenue Bridge | Pennsylvania Avenue (PA-51) Over Railroad (CSX) | Monaca: Beaver County, Pennsylvania | Metal Riveted Pratt Through Truss, Stationary | 1938 By: Unknown |
| Technical Facts |
| Rehabilitation Date | Structure Length | Main Span Length | Bridge Width | Roadway Width | Main Spans | Approach Spans |
| 1976 | 184.1 Feet (33.2 Meters) | 180.1 Feet (14.6 Meters) | 52 Feet (15.8 Meters) | 34.1 Feet (10.4 Meters) | 1 | None |
This bridge is an attractive example of a 1930s standard plan truss bridge in Pennsylvania. The bridge is quite skewed, which adds to the interest of the structure. The bridge has not been properly maintained, and the sidewalk has deteriorated severely. This bridge is yet another example of how improper attention to maintenance has resulted in the loss of fiscal efficiency, but more importantly, this results in the loss of historic structures that could otherwise continue to be beautiful and functional parts of this country's transportation infrastructure.
Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Historic Bridge InventoryDiscussion of Bridge The skewed, one span, 190'-long, riveted Pratt thru truss bridge built in 1938 is supported on horizontally scored concrete abutments with wingwalls. The trusses are traditionally composed with rolled section used for the web members. The portal braces are bulky because of the extreme skew. The bridge is typical of the department's late 1930s high capacity truss designs, and it is not technologically significant. The bridge was built to enhance vehicular traffic, not the efficiency of the railroad, so it is not historically significant in association with the railroad. Discussion of Surrounding Area The bridge carries a three-lane road and sidewalks over six Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad tracks in Monaca. There is a modern strip shopping center beyond the southwest quadrant, and the Pittsburgh Tube Co. mill beyond the north end. The railroad was a major regional hauler of steel-related raw materials and products. Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: No |
