1930,1976+2009 PA-88 Point Marion Bridges over Monongahela at Piont Marion, PA

1930: (Archived Bridge Hunter; Bridge Hunter; Historic Bridges)

2009: (Satellite)

HistoricBridges
This 810' (247m) long bridge had a main span of 464' (141m).
"This Historic Bridge Was Demolished By PennDOT 9:00 AM EST November 16, 2009. The Point Marion Bridge, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is the second oldest cantilever truss bridge in the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania....In regards to the new bridge PennDOT is building, particular emphasis was placed on, and money is to be spent, on including a sidewalk to accommodate rail-trail users. This is a foolish and wasteful decision since a rare and historic landmark is already in place and would be the perfect way to provide a scenic, historic, and functional crossing for non-motorized traffic. Instead, PennDOT's plan is to herd pedestrians onto a bland, mundane modern slab bridge alongside noisy trucks and cars. Clearly, PennDOT does not have the interests of non-motorized traffic in mind in its design. People who choose to walk instead of drive would appreciate the increased peace and scenery that a preserved Point Marion Bridge would provide."

The cantilevered bridge is to the right of the center of this photo. The two truss bridges in the foreground were the B&O and US-119 Bridges.

Chris Valentovich posted
Vintage Postcard of Point Marion, Pennsylvania. Point Marion is a borough in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, located at the confluence of the Monongahela and Cheat Rivers. The bridge for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad’s Fairmont, Morgantown, and Pittsburgh branch (FM&P) crossing the Cheat River can be seen left of center. The FM&P subdivision ran approximately 67 miles from Greene Junction in Connellsville, PA to Fairmont, WV.

At first, I was surprised to see tie-rods on each side in a truss built in the 1930s. But HistoricBridges made me realize that we are looking at the suspended span and the tie-rods are holding that span from the cantilever arm.

Kaylinn Rosati, Jan 2004

The bridge was replaced in 2009.

Street View, Apr 2023

Terry Divelbliss provided six photos in the comments of ArchivedBridgeHunter with the comment: "I took these photos on October 24, 2009 which was three weeks before the bridge was imploded on November 16, 2009."

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