Highland Street Bridge

Across the swirling currents of the Allegheny River stands the Highland Park Bridge. It connects Pittsburgh’s Highland Park neighborhood with the charming town of Aspinwall. The current Highland Park Bridge isn’t the first to grace this spot. A narrower bridge, built in 1902, once carried streetcars and lighter traffic. But as the city grew and cars became king, the old bridge became inadequate. It struggled to handle the increasing flow of commuters heading to the suburbs northeast of Pittsburgh. The old bridge was constantly in need of repairs. Substandard construction, heavy usage, and age took their toll. Traffic congestion during rush hour was a constant problem, leading to frequent accidents. Even a seemingly simple task like replacing the wood block roadway deck in 1919 and again in 1924 couldn’t solve the bigger issues. By the 1930s, it was clear a new bridge was needed. Discussions began, debates ensued. Should it be concrete or steel? A Wichert deck truss or a more conventional Pratt deck truss? Finally, the decision was made: a four-lane Pratt deck truss structure. Construction on the new Highland Park Bridge began in 1937. A dramatic moment came in January 1939 when two massive 140-foot spans, each weighing 92,000 pounds, were hoisted into place. Imagine the scene as river traffic was halted. These enormous steel sections were lifted 100 feet above the Allegheny River. The new Highland Park Bridge was dedicated on June 22, 1939. It was a grand affair, with speeches by local dignitaries. The bridge, painted a then-controversial green, was hailed as a gateway to areas north of Allegheny County. It boasted a world-first safety feature: a concrete dividing strip to separate traffic flows. The bridge also became a point of pride. It was voted the second most beautiful bridge in its class by the American Institute of Steel Construction in 1940. The Highland Park Bridge continued to evolve. In 1963, its approaches were reconstructed to connect with the new PA Route 28 freeway, further easing traffic flow. In 1986, the bridge underwent a major renovation. The roadway was widened, new lighting and drainage were installed, and the superstructure was repainted. The Highland Park Bridge, standing tall against the currents of time, represents more than just a way to cross a river. It tells a story of growth, progress, and the constant need to adapt and improve. It is a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the community it serves.