P&LE McKeesport Bridge

P&LE McKeesport Bridge
Carries	CSX Keystone Subdivision
Crosses	Youghiogheny River
Locale	McKeesport, Pennsylvania
Design	Truss bridge
Total length	781 feet
Clearance below	31 ft
Opened	1968

The P&LE McKeesport Bridge is a truss bridge across the Youghiogheny River connecting the east and west banks of the Pittsburgh industrial suburb of McKeesport, Pennsylvania. In 1968, the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad untook a major construction project in conjunction with the B&O Railroad to clear tracks from Downtown McKeesport. These tracks caused traffic congestion and posed a safety hazard. As a result, both this bridge and the nearby P&LE Liberty Boro Bridge were created to direct rail traffic to the west bank of the river, which featured a less confusing street grid.

Before the construction of this structure, an elaborate 1881 bridge stood on the site, which connected two P&LE lines. With both the P&LE and B&O having ceased operations, the structure currently serves the Pittsburgh-to-Cumberland, Maryland CSX Keystone Subdivision.

References

• PGH Bridges