The historic bridge trusses were feasible to rehabilitate. Other issues (such as approach alignment and deck width) provided PennDOT with the excuses they needed to justify the continuation of their unspoken goal to annihilate every single historic bridge on the rural Allegheny River. I attempted to oppose the demolition as I have on every bridge on the rural Allegheny River. If PennDOT would leave historic bridges standing next to their replacement as is done in other states, then we would not have to have this conversation.
But maybe everyone here is happy with the weathering steel beams of the replacement bridge. But I am sure that people in Europe, China, and many other places around the world would laugh at the ugly bridges we build in this country.
Thanks Brian.I agree it is a shame it cannot be used in any way,shape or form.
George - It will be torn down. From my pictures of the original bridge, it's glory days are in the past. It's a real shame as I love these kind of bridges.
Brian,do you know what will happen to the original bridge?
Explore Clarion article on bridge construction:
http://www.exploreclarion.com/2017/02/28/work-on-hunter-stat...
Nathan - You make a great point. The thing that annoys me is that PennDOT will replace this bridge with their generic bridge with no character or visual appeal.
The old bridge could be used as a fishing pier, photographic spot, tourist attraction, whatever. Granted, US 62 is pretty scenic in that area, but why not leave the bridge there for a nice visual?