Monaca – East Rochester Bridge

The Monaca-East Rochester Bridge is a steel truss structure crossing the Ohio River in Pennsylvania with a total length exceeding 600 meters. It carries two traffic lanes plus a full pedestrian walkway integrated within the truss framework.

The bridge was constructed in 1959 by the American Bridge Company of New York following designs by Michael Baker Jr. Inc. It arose during a period when such infrastructure projects were common for connecting growing communities.

The bridge links Monaca and East Rochester, serving as a daily crossing point for residents moving between the two communities. It plays a practical role in the local rhythm, connecting neighborhoods separated by the river.

The bridge is accessed via Pennsylvania Route 51 and carries daily traffic from vehicles and pedestrians. The pedestrian walkway is built into the truss structure, providing safe passage for those on foot.

The center of the bridge features short cantilever arms supporting a suspended span in the middle, an uncommon design approach for this bridge type. This system was an engineering solution that allowed crossing the wide river without requiring numerous supporting piers.

Location: Pennsylvania

Inception: 1959

Official opening: 1959

GPS coordinates: 40.69230,-80.26740

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:22