Rochester-Monaca Bridge

The Rochester-Monaca Bridge is a steel continuous truss structure crossing the Ohio River and connecting the towns of Monaca and Rochester in Pennsylvania. This bridge carries Pennsylvania Route 51 and features two traffic lanes alongside a pedestrian walkway integrated into its framework.

This bridge was built in 1986 to replace a 1930 cantilever structure, which itself succeeded an original 1896 suspension bridge. The three generations of bridges reflect how infrastructure evolved to meet changing transportation demands.

From 1987 to 2009, the bridge name changed annually based on the winner of the high school football game between Rochester and Monaca teams.

The bridge is accessible on foot via an integrated pedestrian walkway that runs through the truss structure, providing crossing options from both sides of the Ohio River. Visitors should be mindful of active traffic when walking across.

From 1987 to 2009, the bridge received a new name each year based on which high school won the annual football game between the two towns. This unusual naming tradition made it a unique symbol of the rivalry between the communities.

Location: Monaca

Location: Rochester

Official opening: December 1986

GPS coordinates: 40.69650,-80.28250

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:44