Brownsville Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Brownsville Bridge |
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| Coordinates | 40°1′21″N 79°53′24″W / 40.02250°N 79.89000°W |
| Carries | SR 4025 |
| Crosses | Monongahela River near a ford |
| Locale | Brownsville, Pennsylvania and West Brownsville, Pennsylvania |
| Other name(s) | Intercounty Bridge West Brownsville Bridge |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Truss bridge |
| Total length | 945 feet (288 m) |
| Width | 22.6 feet (6.9 m) |
| Longest span | 520 feet (160 m) |
| Clearance above | 20 feet (6.1 m) |
| History | |
| Opened | 1914 |
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Brownsville Bridge, Intercounty Bridge, West Brownsville Bridge
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| Location | LR 268 over Monongahela River, West Brownsville, Pennsylvania |
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1913 |
| Architect | Herman & Armstrong; Ft. Pitt Bridge Works |
| Architectural style | Pennsylvania Petit truss |
| MPS | Highway Bridges Owned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Transportation TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 88000834 |
| Added to NRHP | June 22, 1988 |
The Brownsville Bridge is an important bridge in Pennsylvania. It connects the towns of Brownsville, Pennsylvania and West Brownsville, Pennsylvania. This bridge crosses the Monongahela River.
People also call it the Intercounty Bridge or the West Brownsville Bridge. Some even call it the Old Brownsville Bridge. This is because a newer bridge, the Lane Bane Bridge, was built later.
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History of the Brownsville Bridge
The Brownsville Bridge was finished in 1914. It was built to replace a much older wooden bridge from 1831. The old bridge wasn't strong enough for the new cars and trucks. Before bridges, people used a ferry to cross the river here.
This spot has always been important for travel. It was part of the famous National Road. This was one of the first major roads built by the U.S. government.
How the Bridge's Role Changed
For many years, the Brownsville Bridge carried a lot of traffic. It was part of U.S. Route 40. But in 1960, the Lane Bane Bridge was built nearby.
After the new bridge opened, U.S. Route 40 moved to it. This meant less traffic on the old Brownsville Bridge. Now, the Brownsville Bridge mainly helps local people travel between the two towns.
What Kind of Bridge Is It?
The Brownsville Bridge is a truss bridge. A truss bridge uses a framework of connected triangles. This design makes the bridge very strong and stable.
A Historic Landmark
The Brownsville Bridge is more than just a way to cross the river. It is also a historic landmark. The Washington County History & Landmarks Foundation has recognized it as a special historic bridge. This means it's an important part of the area's history.
