Fort Wayne Railroad Bridge

The Fort Wayne Railroad Bridge crosses the Allegheny River using a steel truss structure with two distinct levels for rail traffic. The upper deck still carries trains today, while the lower deck no longer serves its original purpose following renovations to nearby rail infrastructure.

The bridge was built between 1901 and 1904, replacing an earlier structure from 1868 that stood at the same location. In 1918, engineers lifted the entire bridge and its approaches to allow larger river vessels to pass underneath.

The bridge represents a key connection in Pittsburgh's rail network and shows how important the railways were to the city's growth. Walking across or viewing it reveals the role trains played in connecting the region to the wider country.

The bridge can be viewed from roads on both sides of the river and from various vantage points along the shore. Daytime visits offer the clearest views of the structure and passing trains, making it easier to see details.

The entire bridge structure and its approach ramps were raised by approximately 30 to 50 feet in 1918 to allow larger vessels to navigate the river. This enormous engineering project shows how workers managed to lift an active rail bridge without stopping service or causing damage.

Location: Pittsburgh

Official opening: 1901

GPS coordinates: 40.44800,-79.99610

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:06