It is good that we can celebrate this 80th anniversary - especially considering that this bridge almost met the wrecking ball!
Happy 80th Anniversary, bridge!
During the early 1990s, there was talk of possibly demolishing the John Mack Bridge. One of the major problems was that the bridge was too narrow to effectively carry traffic in both directions. In the years following the construction of the bridge, Broadway was widened to four lanes, but the John Mack Bridge could accommodate only two lanes. Locals were able to get the bridge listed on the National Register in 1992, leading the effort to rehabilitate it and construct a new bridge to the east to carry northbound traffic.
When a town stands up for its historic bridge the town can win. Ambridge, PA and McConnellsville, OH stood up for their historic bridges and they still stand. Oakmont wants the Hulton Bridge replaced so that has been a losing battle.