The Stone Bridge
Website:
https://www.jaha.org/attractions/the-stone-bridge/
Telephone Number:
Location:
26 Walnut Street, Johnstown, PA 15901
Description:
The Stone Bridge, spanning the Conemaugh River in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, is a seven-arch stone railroad bridge constructed by the Pennsylvania Railroad between 1887 and 1888. Although its upstream face was reinforced with concrete in 1929, the bridge remains a historic landmark visible from Point Park in downtown Johnstown.
During the catastrophic Johnstown Flood of 1889, the Stone Bridge played a pivotal role. While the structure itself survived the floodwaters, it became a barrier, trapping tons of debris, including miles of barbed wire twisted through it from the destruction of nearby structures. Unfortunately, this accumulated debris caught fire, engulfing the surrounding area in flames and resulting in the loss of numerous lives. Despite the inferno, the bridge endured both the force of the flood and the immense weight of the debris.
Today, the Stone Bridge remains an integral part of Johnstown's landscape, serving as a three-track railroad bridge owned by the Norfolk Southern Railway. It holds significance not only as a functioning railroad structure but also as a poignant reminder of the city's tumultuous history. Visible from Route 56, downtown, the Johnstown Area Heritage Association's Festival Park, and the Inclined Plane's restaurant and visitors center, the bridge is a prominent feature of the area's skyline.
Recognizing the bridge's deteriorating condition, community leaders initiated a restoration project aimed at preserving its historic integrity and enhancing its aesthetics. The project, which commenced in 2008 as part of flood commemorative activities, included cleaning, physical improvements, resurfacing of the south side, and the installation of energy-efficient LED lighting capable of displaying various colors and intensities. With an estimated cost of $1.2 million, the restoration effort aimed to ensure the Stone Bridge's continued prominence in Johnstown's landscape for generations to come.
