Donora-Webster Bridge

The Donora-Webster Bridge was a truss bridge spanning the Monongahela River between the borough of Donora, Pennsylvania and the village of Webster in Rostraver Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. Originally built in 1908 to serve rail traffic, the bridge was eventually fully converted in 1938 for automobile use only.. The structure connected Route 837 on the west bank of the river and Route 906 on the east side. The closest open crossings are at Route 1022 (Donora-Monessen Bridge) to the south (upstream), and the Route 136 (Monongahela City Bridge) to the north (downstream), a several-mile detour either way. On July 1, 2015 the bridge was demolished after being closed for several years due to severe structural deficiency.

Donora-Webster Bridge
Coordinates40°11′02″N 79°51′07″W
Carries2 lanes of 10th Street
CrossesMonongahela River
LocaleDonora, Pennsylvania, Washington County, Pennsylvania, and Rostraver Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania
Characteristics
DesignTruss bridge
Total length1,531 feet (467 m)
Longest span515 feet (157 m)
Clearance below67 feet (20 m)
History
Opened1908
Closed2009 (demolished 2015)
Webster Donora Bridge
Webster Donora Bridge in 1982
LocationA 143 over Monongahela River, Donora, Pennsylvania
Coordinates40°11′3″N 79°51′8″W
Area1.5 acres (0.61 ha)
Built1906
ArchitectWylie, William; Sofias Construction Company
Architectural styleMultiple-span through truss
MPSHighway Bridges Owned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Transportation TR
NRHP reference No.88000813[1]
Added to NRHPJune 22, 1988
Location

The bridge's closure was the subject of criticism by locals, as it was blamed for worsening Donora's already poor economic situation. Pennsylvania state representative Peter Daley pushed for a restoration or replacement of the original bridge, but to no avail, sealing the fate of the area. [2]

It was designated as a historic bridge by the Washington County History & Landmarks Foundation.[3]

See also

References
  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 13, 2009.
  2. Observer-Reporter, Mike Jones (Washington). "Bridge closure accelerated Donora's economic collapse". The Sentinel. Retrieved 2019-04-08.
  3. "Webster-Donora Bridge". Landmark Registry - Bridges. Washington County History & Landmarks Foundation. 2008. Archived from the original on 2012-03-14. Retrieved 2010-11-08.
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