Manchester Bridge Pier

Courtesy of Brian Crawford

Location:

Three Rivers Heritage Trail, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Description:

The Manchester Bridge Pier, a vestige of Pittsburgh's early 20th-century infrastructure, stands as a silent testament to the city's industrial past. Constructed between 1911 and 1915, the Manchester Bridge was a steel Pratt truss bridge that connected the North Shore to the Point, facilitating both vehicular and pedestrian traffic across the Allegheny River. The bridge was demolished in 1970 following the completion of the Fort Duquesne Bridge, which opened on October 17, 1969. Efforts to preserve the Manchester Bridge were unsuccessful, leading to its removal to make way for the development of Point State Park. During the demolition, explosives were used to drop the southern span into the river on September 29, 1970, and the northern span was brought down on October 28, 1970. The demolition was subcontracted to Controlled Demolition by Dravo Corporation and was overseen by John D. Loizeaux.

Despite the bridge's demolition, the northern pier was left standing. Initially intended to serve as an observation deck in the riverside park along the Allegheny River, this plan was never realized. In 2009, the pier was incorporated into an observation deck that includes a memorial to Fred Rogers, the beloved host of the children's television show "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood." The memorial, titled "A Tribute to Children," was dedicated on November 5, 2009, and serves as a poignant reminder of Rogers' legacy and the city's rich history.

Today, the Manchester Bridge Pier stands as a historical landmark, recognized by the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation. It offers visitors a glimpse into Pittsburgh's architectural and industrial heritage, providing a unique vantage point to reflect on the city's evolution over the past century. The pier's integration into the Fred Rogers memorial further enriches its significance, blending the city's industrial past with its cultural contributions.