McKeesport Connecting Railroad Bridge

The McKeesport Connecting Railroad Bridge is a steel truss structure crossing the Monongahela River and connecting McKeesport with Duquesne on the opposite bank. The span demonstrates the robust construction methods typical of late 1800s bridge engineering.

The bridge was built in 1890 to connect two major steel mills that formed the industrial backbone of the region. It served a critical role in moving materials and goods between the manufacturing facilities.

The bridge transformation from rail to pedestrian use represents the shift from industrial manufacturing to recreational infrastructure in western Pennsylvania.

The bridge now functions as part of a popular cycling and walking route that carries visitors across the river. Walking or biking across gives you views of the river valley and a sense of the structure's scale.

The structure features an unusual asymmetrical design where one side contains more panel divisions than the other. This rare engineering detail is often overlooked but makes the bridge noteworthy for those interested in construction methods.

Location: Allegheny County

Official opening: 1890

GPS coordinates: 40.35690,-79.84740

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:41