33rd Street Railroad Bridge

The 33rd Street Railroad Bridge is a steel structure that crosses the Allegheny River using a truss design that spans roughly 400 feet at its center. The bridge carries rail traffic over the water and connects areas on either side of the river.

An earlier bridge was built in 1884 by Iron City Bridge Works to provide rail crossing over the river. The current structure was constructed in 1921 by the B&O Railroad as a replacement for that original crossing.

The bridge reflects Pittsburgh's past as an industrial center where railroads carried people and goods through the city as a vital part of daily commerce. Today it stands as a reminder of the role transportation played in the city's growth.

The bridge sits at a height of about 45 feet above the water, allowing boats and barges to pass underneath without obstruction. You can view the structure from nearby riverbanks or streets that run alongside the water.

The bridge serves as a key link for the Allegheny Valley Railroad, which operates a network of heritage rail lines in the area today. It connects downtown Pittsburgh to Herrs Island, a location with strong industrial roots.

Location: Pittsburgh

Official opening: 1921

GPS coordinates: 40.46570,-79.97360

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:05