McKeesport Bridge (Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad)
The P&LE McKeesport Bridge is an American truss bridge which spans the Youghiogheny River and connects the east and west banks of the Pittsburgh industrial suburb of McKeesport, Pennsylvania.
P&LE McKeesport Bridge | |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 40°21′N 79°52′W / 40.35°N 79.87°W |
| Carries | CSX Keystone Subdivision |
| Crosses | Youghiogheny River |
| Locale | McKeesport, Pennsylvania |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Truss bridge |
| Total length | 781 feet |
| Clearance below | 31 ft |
| History | |
| Opened | 1968 |
| Location | |
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History and architectural features
editIn 1968, the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad undertook a major construction project in conjunction with the B&O Railroad to clear tracks from downtown McKeesport. These tracks caused traffic congestion and posed a safety hazard. As a result, both this bridge and the nearby P&LE Liberty Boro Bridge were created to direct rail traffic to the west bank of the river, which featured a less confusing street grid.
Before the construction of this structure, an elaborate 1881 bridge stood on the site, which connected two P&LE lines. With both the P&LE and B&O having ceased operations, the structure currently serves the Pittsburgh-to-Cumberland, Maryland CSX Keystone Subdivision.