October 11, 2023 Kinzua Bridge State Park

This park has been on my bucket list for quite some time so today was the day to see the park.

 

First a little history:

“History of Kinzua Bridge State Park:

Construction of the iron viaduct began during 1881, starting with the placement of the stone piers. When completed during 1882, the Kinzua Bridge Viaduct was the highest railroad viaduct in the world. It was constructed as an alternative to laying an additional eight miles of track over rough terrain along the line leading to McKean County’s coal, timber, and oil lands.

Built of iron, the original viaduct was approximately 301 feet high, 2,053 feet long, and weighed 3,105,000 pounds. The towers were a patented design called Phoenix Columns. The columns were lighter in weight and had greater strength than cast iron columns of similar shape and size.

By 1900, it became necessary to rebuild the entire structure with steel to accommodate heavier trains. Later that year, about 100 to 150 men, working 10-hour shifts, completed the job in 105 days. The new steel viaduct had the same measurements, but now weighed 6,706,000 pounds.

The Creation of Kinzua Bridge State Park:

Freight traffic discontinued during 1959. During 1963, Governor William Scranton signed a law that created Kinzua Bridge State Park. The park officially opened during 1970. Kinzua Viaduct received national recognition when it was placed on the National Register of Historic Civil Engineering Landmarks during 1977.

Beginning during 1987, excursion trains traveled from Marienville, Pa., through the Allegheny National Forest, stopping on Kinzua Viaduct before returning to their point of origin.

During February 2002, DCNR engineers decided the structure needed a full-scale inspection. During June, DCNR barred excursion trains from the bridge. By June, excursion trains were barred from the bridge. During the inspection engineers found sections of steel were rusted through. Then, during August, the bridge was closed to all traffic, including pedestrians.

Engineers determined high winds could create lateral pressure on the bridge, causing it to shift the center of gravity, thus increasing the weight on one side. Such an event could send the whole bridge crashing to the bottom of the Kinzua Creek Valley.

Beginning in February, 2003, W. M. Brode Co. of Newcomerstown, Ohio, a national leader in railroad bridge construction and repair, began working to restore Kinzua Viaduct.

On Monday, July 21, 2003, at approximately 3:15 p.m., an F1 tornado (wind speed 73 – 112 mph) struck the side of Kinzua Viaduct. Eleven towers from the center of the bridge were torn from their concrete bases and thrown to the valley floor.

The Skywalk:

Today, park visitors can once again walk a portion of the Kinzua Bridge. Built on six restored, original towers, a pedestrian walkway (skywalk) leads to a 225-foot high observation deck that gives a towering view of the Kinzua Creek Valley.

A partial glass floor in the deck reveals a breathtaking glimpse into the steel structure of the bridge. The 11 twisted and scattered bridge towers blown over by the tornado remain at the bottom of the valley for visitors to view from the deck railings. Several benches line the paved walkway to the skywalk.

A grand opening was held on September 15, 2011.”

More information can be found here:    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinzua_Bridge

We started out in the museum that told the history of the bridge.

Dedication to the workers:

The bridge was higher than the Statue of Liberty:

Sadly, the tornado destroyed the bridge.  We learned that in the late 80’s, there were train rides across.  Bummer, we missed it.

The lower floor of the museum is dedicated to that area of Pennsylvania.  This tree was all metal and so were the animals in the tree.  There was a kiosk where we could press a button and the specific bird would mimic their sound.  Then we had to find the bird.  I had a blast.  The artistry that went into making those birds from metal was amazing.

Heading out to the skyway:

It was very breezy out on the Skywalk – I cannot imagine a windy day in a train crossing this.

Looking down – Yikees!

Pictures of the devastation:

The bases:

The other side:

Pictures from the overlooks:

The views from the overlooks and skyway were outstanding.  The tree colors were very muted and many were past their peak.

I am so glad we did this.  We would have liked a sunnier day but, oh well!   Would I recommend a stop! – Absolutely YES!

From there we decided to do a ride thru the Allegheny Forest along the Allegheny River.

From the boat dock – the river is low:

Interesting??

Kinzua Dam:

Love those forest roads:

Kinzua Reservoir:

The Allegheny River:

Check out those rocks:

Andy at the top of the stairs:

This overlook was above these huge rocks.  There was a tunnel with stairs that led down the hill.  No, I did not take it…

What a nice day!

Tomorrow we are on our way again south to south west.  So stay tuned and enjoy today.