Mahoning Avenue Viaduct - Mahoningtown (New Castle) PA

The red arrows reveal the location of the Gardner Avenue Bridge (seen behind the P&LE railroad bridge), which was severely damaged during the Great Flood of March 1913. The bridge was the main thoroughfare for pedestrians, wagons, vehicles, and streetcars to reach Mahoningtown. A portion of the Gardner Avenue Bridge was repaired and put back in use after the flood, but only as a temporary measure. Discussions between local and state officials of replacing the old bridge dragged on for the next decade. (1913)

Funding for a new bridge, which would cost $517,800, was finally arranged in March 1923 and construction efforts began a few months later. The work was done by the Independent Bridge Company of Pittsburgh. The new Mahoning Avenue Viaduct (seen behind P&LE railroad bridge) was dedicated on Thursday, December 18, 1924. It was often referred to as the new Gardner Avenue Bridge for quite some time. The old Gardner Avenue Bridge, once located just to the north, was torn down in 1925. (c1935) (Courtesy of Sherry Slater) Full Size

Same photo as above – this one marked to show the location of the bridges. (c1935) (Courtesy of Sherry Slater)

The plaque attached to the bridge back in 1923. I noticed this heavy duty item went missing from the bridge within the last few years. (c1988)

The aging viaduct, in need of a new deck (except the middle portion) and other significant improvements, was closed to vehicular traffic in late October 1958. The sidewalk remained opened to accommodate pedestrian traffic. Workers tore up most of the old deck in late 1958, while local and state officials disputed who would pay for the improvements. The bridge sat seemingly abandoned for the next two years as negotiations dragged on. Finally, in the fall of 1960, an agreement was reached and work on the bridge resumed the coming November. Conn Welding repaired the structure and it was reopened and rededicated on October 7, 1961. (Nov 1960)

The salvage yard just north of the Mahoning Avenue Viaduct once contained numerous railroad tracks heading into the industrial heart of New Castle. (c2012)

The viaduct was closed to traffic in April 1986 and underwent a major rehabilitation effort that lasted five months. It was reopened on August 30, 1986. (Aug 2015) Full Size

(Aug 2015)

(Aug 2015)

(Aug 2015)

(Aug 2015)

(Aug 2015) Full Size