Washington Crossing Bridge (Pittsburgh)

The Washington Crossing Bridge, commonly known as the Fortieth Street Bridge, is an arch bridge that carries vehicular traffic across the Allegheny River between the Pittsburgh neighborhood of Lawrenceville and the suburb of Millvale.

Not to be confused with Washington Crossing Bridge.
Washington Crossing Bridge
Coordinates40.4728°N 79.9686°W / 40.4728; -79.9686
Carries40th Street
CrossesAllegheny River
LocalePittsburgh and Millvale
Other name(s)40th Street Bridge
Maintained byPennsylvania Department of Transportation
Characteristics
DesignArch bridge
MaterialSteel
Total length2,366 feet (721 m)
Width3 lanes
Longest span360 feet (110 m)
Piers in water4
Clearance below72.5 feet (22.1 m)
History
DesignerBenno Janssen, Janssen & Cocken
Opened1924
Designated2004[1]
Location

History

The bridge was originally built to accommodate two lanes of traffic and one streetcar line; a 1982 re-decking allowed for the creation of a reversible third automobile lane.[2]

The bridge received its name because it is located at a historically significant site pertaining to George Washington's military career. In 1753, then-Major Washington was dispatched to give French forces an ultimatum to negotiate for the return of the lands that today make up Western Pennsylvania to the British or to prepare for a military strike. Crossing the Allegheny on a wooden raft, Washington was nearly killed when his vessel overturned at this site.

See also


References
  1. Historic Landmark Plaques 1968-2009 (PDF). Pittsburgh, PA: Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation. 2010. Retrieved 2010-07-02.
  2. "Bridges & Tunnels of Allegheny County and Pittsburgh, PA - Washington Crossing Bridge". October 10, 2000. Retrieved March 21, 2010.


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