Fallston Bridge
Encyclopedia
The Fallston Bridge is a historic structure that crosses the Beaver River
between the boroughs of New Brighton
, and Fallston
, Pennsylvania
. The bridge was opened in 1884 to replace a tolled, wooden 1836 structure that was destroyed during a major flood. Crossing under a low-clearance railroad underpass on one side of the river and featuring a sharp approach ramp on the opposite shore, the dated structure is insufficiently designed for modern traffic and is often hazardous during rainy conditions. Although it was rehabilitated in 2003, the bridge still receives only a 2 out of 100 rated from the Department of Transportation
in terms of its structural status. With a 3 ton weight limit in effect but various truck traffic in need of a nearby crossing due to the presence of a titanium plant, efforts are currently under way to build a new structure just downstream. After that bridge is completed, it is estimated that the Fallston Bridge will carry only 15 percent of its current traffic volume.
Beaver River (Pennsylvania)
The Beaver River is a tributary of the Ohio River in Western Pennsylvania in the United States with a length of approximately 21 mi . It flows through a historically important coal-producing region north of Pittsburgh...
between the boroughs of New Brighton
New Brighton, Pennsylvania
New Brighton is a borough in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, United States, located along the Beaver River northwest of Pittsburgh. There are deposits of coal and clay in the vicinity. In the past, articles produced here included pottery, bricks, sewer pipe, glass, flour, twine, lead kegs,...
, and Fallston
Fallston, Pennsylvania
Fallston is a borough in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 307 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Fallston is located at ....
, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
. The bridge was opened in 1884 to replace a tolled, wooden 1836 structure that was destroyed during a major flood. Crossing under a low-clearance railroad underpass on one side of the river and featuring a sharp approach ramp on the opposite shore, the dated structure is insufficiently designed for modern traffic and is often hazardous during rainy conditions. Although it was rehabilitated in 2003, the bridge still receives only a 2 out of 100 rated from the Department of Transportation
Department of Transportation
The Department of Transportation is the most common name for a government agency in North America devoted to transportation. The largest is the United States Department of Transportation, which oversees interstate travel. All U.S. states, Canadian provinces, and many local agencies also have...
in terms of its structural status. With a 3 ton weight limit in effect but various truck traffic in need of a nearby crossing due to the presence of a titanium plant, efforts are currently under way to build a new structure just downstream. After that bridge is completed, it is estimated that the Fallston Bridge will carry only 15 percent of its current traffic volume.