The Remarkable Story of Pittsburgh’s 16th Street Bridge: A Historical Perspective
The 16th Street Bridge in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is an iconic landmark that carries a history as rich and fascinating as the city itself. Its legacy spans over a century, and its structural beauty is a testament to the city’s architectural prowess and industrial past. This article delves into the intriguing chronicles of this legendary structure, offering a comprehensive historical overview of its conception, design, construction, and the significant role it has played in shaping Pittsburgh’s urban landscape.
The Genesis of the 16th Street Bridge
The genesis of the 16th Street Bridge dates back to the mid-19th century when it was known as the Northern Liberties Bridge. Built in 1840, this structure was a covered Burr arch truss bridge serving as a critical linkage between the Northern Liberties borough (which later became the Fifth Ward of Pittsburgh) and the Allegheny borough (which later transformed into the North Side). With a total length of 900 feet, the bridge featured four truss spans, each measuring 213 feet, and a single truss span of 40 feet.
The Bridge’s Evolution Over the Years
The passage of time brought significant changes to the bridge. In 1868, Pittsburgh annexed the East End and undertook a renaming process of city streets, favoring numbered sequences over names of founders or landmarks. The Northern Liberties Bridge thus became the more straightforward Sixteenth Street Bridge. In 1911, the County acquired the bridge, designating it “Allegheny County Bridge No. 5”.
The bridge underwent a major rebuild in 1866. However, it was in 1918 that the structure met its most dramatic fate. A devastating fire engulfed the bridge, reducing it to ruins within minutes. The remnants of the bridge were later demolished, and the stone piers were removed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, citing their obstruction.
The Birth of the Modern Sixteenth Street Bridge
The destruction of the old bridge paved the way for the birth of the modern Sixteenth Street Bridge. The construction process was not without its share of challenges. It was marked by disagreements over financing, design approvals, and logistical hurdles. However, the determination and collaborative efforts of the city and county officials, engineers, architects, and civic organizations eventually culminated in the successful completion of the new bridge.
The new design of the bridge was a product of the New York-based architectural firm Warren & Wetmore. The design was a fine example of the early 20th-century architectural trend that aimed to balance functionality with aesthetic appeal. The plans for the new bridge were approved by the state Public Service Commission in 1921, and work soon began on its substructure.
The Bridge’s Unique Architectural Features
One of the most striking features of the Sixteenth Street Bridge is its grand armillary spheres. These bronze ornamental globe structures, designed by renowned sculptor Leo Lentelli, are wrapped with an iron band dotted with 12 animal symbols representing the zodiac signs. The spheres add an artistic flair to the bridge, enhancing its visual appeal.
The bridge’s design also includes four towering stone pillars at each end, which add to its architectural grandeur. These pillars, along with the bronze winged horses majestically raising their hooves towards the sky, give the bridge its distinct identity and are emblematic of the city’s architectural heritage.
The Completion and Inauguration of the Bridge
The construction of the Sixteenth Street Bridge was completed in 1923 at a cost of $1.25 million. The bridge was inaugurated amidst grand celebrations, with a parade organized under the direction of the Business Men’s Association of the Northside. The new bridge was celebrated as a symbol of Pittsburgh’s progress and a testament to its engineering prowess.
The Bridge’s Role in Public Transportation
The Sixteenth Street Bridge has played a significant role in Pittsburgh’s public transportation system. It served as a vital route for the Spring Garden and upper Allegheny Pittsburgh Railways streetcar lines until 1903 when the bridge was deemed unsafe for heavy streetcar vehicles. Since then, the bridge has primarily catered to wagon, truck, and passenger traffic. Streetcar operations over the bridge resumed in 1925, further consolidating its role in the city’s public transportation network.
The Bridge’s Renaming in Honor of David McCullough
In 2013, the Sixteenth Street Bridge was renamed as the David McCullough Bridge in honor of the renowned local author and historian, David McCullough. A native of Pittsburgh, McCullough is a two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award. His contributions to literature and history, much like the bridge itself, are an integral part of Pittsburgh’s cultural legacy.
The Bridge’s Restoration Efforts
The 16th Street Bridge has undergone several restoration efforts to preserve its structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. The first major repair work was carried out in 1981, which involved replacing the deteriorated roadway deck, installing new expansion joints, and making other structural repairs. The bridge underwent another significant rehabilitation in 2002, which included replacing the concrete roadway deck and barriers, adding new drainage systems, installing new lights, and giving the superstructure a fresh coat of paint.
The Bridge’s Legacy and Recognition
The Sixteenth Street Bridge is not just a functional structure that facilitates transportation; it is also a living testament to Pittsburgh’s historical and architectural legacy. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, further cementing its status as a treasured historical landmark. Today, the bridge stands as a symbol of Pittsburgh’s rich past and a beacon of its promising future.
The story of Pittsburgh’s 16th Street Bridge is a captivating tale of architectural brilliance, historical evolution, and cultural significance. It stands as a testament to the city’s progressive spirit and its commitment to architectural beauty and functionality. As one traverses this iconic bridge, one cannot help but marvel at its historical journey and the indelible mark it has left on Pittsburgh’s urban landscape and cultural heritage.
