Washington Crossing Bridge, Steel deck arch bridge in Lawrenceville, Pittsburgh, United States
Washington Crossing Bridge is a steel arch structure with three traffic lanes that spans the Allegheny River between Pittsburgh's Lawrenceville neighborhood and the suburb of Millvale. The crossing extends roughly 720 meters and carries traffic with a reversible middle lane to handle rush hour demands in both directions.
The bridge was completed in 1924 at the location where George Washington nearly died crossing the Allegheny River in 1753 during colonial times. This connection to an important moment in American frontier history shaped the naming and identity of the structure.
The bridge displays ornamental seals of the original thirteen states and Allegheny County along its railings. These details remind travelers of American heritage as they cross above the river.
The bridge connects directly to main roads, making it straightforward to cross by car between Pittsburgh and the northern suburbs. Pedestrians can walk across, though heavy traffic during peak hours makes crossing busier and noisier during certain times of day.
The bridge features a reversible third lane that changes direction based on traffic demand, allowing flexibility for morning and evening commutes. This innovative system was added in 1982 to handle rush hour surges without expanding the physical structure itself.
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