Freeport Rail Bridge

Bridge in Freeport and Allegheny Township
Freeport Rail Bridge
Freeport Rail Bridge iron work
Freeport Rail Bridge. Looking toward Freeport from Allegheny Township.
Coordinates40°40′38″N 79°40′15″W / 40.6773°N 79.6707°W / 40.6773; -79.6707
Carries1 track of the Norfolk Southern Railway
CrossesAllegheny River
LocaleFreeport and Allegheny Township
Characteristics
Designtruss bridge
MaterialSteel
Total length1105 ft.
Piers in water4
History
Opened1950
Location
Map

The Freeport Rail Bridge is a truss bridge that carries the Norfolk Southern Railway across the Allegheny River between Freeport and Allegheny Township in Pennsylvania.

A structure originally created on this site by the Pennsylvania Railroad as part of their West Penn Line in 1866. In 1895, the railroad replaced this bridge; the third and current incarnation was completed in 1950, along with new approach ramps that eliminated a narrow tunnel.

Prior to 1957, passenger service was carried along this line (the Conemaugh Line) alongside freight. Following the decline of the PRR, Conrail took over control of the bridge. Currently, it is operated as part of the Pittsburgh Division of Norfolk Southern.

See also

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Freeport Rail Bridge.
  • KVRR History
  • Rail Fan
  • History of the PRR
Bridges of the Allegheny River
Upstream
Allegheny River Lock & Dam Five
Freeport Rail Bridge
Norfolk Southern Railway
Downstream
Donald R. Lobaugh Bridge