McKees Rocks Bridge

The McKees Rocks Bridge is a steel arch bridge that crosses the Ohio River, linking Brighton Heights with McKees Rocks. The structure features a main span with supporting trusses and accommodates multiple lanes of traffic across the river.

Architect Vernon R. Covell designed this bridge in 1931 as a replacement for the earlier O'Donovan Bridge. The project represented a major advancement in regional transportation infrastructure and later earned recognition in the National Register of Historic Places.

The National Register of Historic Places recognized this bridge in 1988 for its role in connecting communities and supporting regional development.

The bridge carries Pennsylvania Route 65 and Route 51 traffic across its multiple lanes. It maintains adequate clearance above the Ohio River to allow boats and other watercraft to pass safely underneath.

The main span stretches about 750 feet and employs steel arch techniques that were innovative for the early 1900s. This construction method showcases the engineering advances of that era in bridge design.

Location: Pennsylvania

Architects: Vernon R. Covell

Official opening: 1931

GPS coordinates: 40.47700,-80.04890

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:41