Wabash Bridge

The Wabash Bridge was a railway span across the Monongahela River in Pittsburgh, built with a steel cantilever truss design and stone foundation piers. The structure carried freight trains until its operational life ended, leaving behind visible remains at the riverbank.

Construction took place between 1902 and 1904, but the project faced a tragic setback in 1903 when the center section collapsed during work. A fire in 1946 led to its eventual closure and demolition shortly after.

The bridge served as a key part of Pittsburgh's railway network, linking downtown to Mount Washington via the Wabash Tunnel. Visitors can still see the original piers at the riverbank today, which stand as reminders of this industrial connection.

Today you can view the remaining piers from the riverbank and surrounding paths, which offer good vantage points to see the ruins. The original foundations are accessible by walking along the Monongahela River trails near downtown Pittsburgh.

When the structure was dismantled in 1948, its steel was recycled and used to build the Dravosburg Bridge, which still stands downstream today. This reflects how Pittsburgh's industrial materials found new purpose in subsequent construction projects.

Location: Pittsburgh

Official opening: 1904

GPS coordinates: 40.43710,-80.00740

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:04