Extended nights & group pricing also available. A tiny one-room church built after one man's prayer for healing was answered. This museum pays tribute to the largest group in the Iroquois Confederacy. The first construction was completed by a crew of just 40 men in 94 working days. Bradford, PA 16701 Billed as the "Eighth Wonder of the World", the wrought iron original 1882 structure held the record for the tallest railroad bridge in the world for two years. When it was built in 1882, it was the tallest and longest viaduct in the world. (92 m) tall and 2,052 feet (625 m) long. Tamarack Club a condominium/hotel in Holiday Valley Ellicottville, NY, The Inn at Holiday Valley Keystone State. The bridge was built to obviate the construction of an additional eight miles of track. The bridge was 301 feet (92m) tall and 2,052 feet (625m) long. Plan your trip. [25], As of 2009, Kinzua Bridge State Park is a 329-acre (133ha) Pennsylvania state park surrounding the bridge and the Kinzua Valley. [6] Before the bridge's collapse, visitors were allowed on or under the bridge and hiking was allowed in the valley around the bridge. Although it would cost millions to rebuild the bridge to what it once was, efforts were being made to stabilize it. Although the majority of this magnificent structure is no longer standing, many people still visit the area today. Kane Manor Inn Phone for reservations at 814-778-5391, and mention the Fishing for Value Package for this special pricing. The Kinzua Bridge was the tallest bridge in the world when it was built in 1882. Package includes one night lodging at a Holiday Valley Property and a 3 hour Aerial Adventure starting at $249 for two people, midweek, tax included. The site, which still maintains part of the original elevated railroad track, is a fascinating place to go for a walk. In 2003 an F1 tornado struck the bridge and caused half the bridge to be destroyed. The Kinzua Viaduct circa 1900. HISTORY OF KINZUA BRIDGE . Commons Attribution 4.0 license. Winner will be selected at random on 12/01/2022. Safety measures of CDC guidelines & PA COVID-19 safety mandates are in place to aid you in traveling safely. The Kinzua Bridge or the Kinzua Viaduct (/knzu/[4] or /knzu./) was a railroad trestle that spanned Kinzua Creek in McKean County in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. Diesel locomotives were lighter and did not face that limit; the bridge was last crossed by a steam locomotive on October 5, 1950. The original viaduct was approximately 301 feet high and 2,053 feet long, making it the worlds longest at the time. Miles and miles of trails offer a relaxing and fun way to get away from it all in any season. In late June 2002, the bridge was closed to tourist trains. It was billed as the Eighth Wonder of the World, and day-trippers would come on excursion trains from as far away as Buffalo, New York to marvel at the expansive Pennsylvania construction. During the inspection engineers found sections of steel were rusted through. William Scranton signed legislation that provided for the acquisition of the viaduct and adjacent lands to become a state park. Over a hundred years later, the bridge itself would be literally blown away. I have lost one of my best friends. The future of the bridge was contemplated. Later that year, about 100 to 150 men, working 10-hour shifts, completed the job in 105 days. Masks are mandatory, as is maintaining 6 feet of social distancing. [19] The station was closed sometime between 1923 and 1927. [10] The bridge's 110sandstone masonry piers were quarried from the hillside used for the foundation of the bridge. This incredible viaduct was part of the Victorian railway boom and helped the Midland Railway navigate tough terrain. Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. One improvement was the implementation of building techniques such as sliding plates and free moving spans, which reduce the stress of braking trains upon the bridge. The Erie Railroad maintained a station at the Kinzua Viaduct. The tornado, classified as F1 on the Fujita scale, passed by the bridge and continued another 2.5 miles (4km) before it lifted. The bridge before its collapse. [41], The state of Pennsylvania reimagined the Kinzua State Park as one anchored by a "sky walk" viewing platform and network of hiking trails. a Creative [23] On July 5, 1975, there was an official ribbon cutting ceremony for the park, which "was and is unique in the park system" since "its centerpiece is a man-made structure". No purchase necessary. The state park includes 600 feet of the bridge that has been reinvented as a skywalk with a nice viewing area at the end. The bridge was originally built in 1882, re-built in 1900 to support heavier locomotives, and destroyed by a tornado in 2003. [6] Engineers had determined that during high winds, the bridge's center of gravity could shift, putting weight onto only one side of the bridge and causing it to fail. Many businesses have been impacted by this pandemic, please call ahead to check for changes at your destination before traveling. Copyright @2021 The Pennsylvania State University. Forty workers took a mere 94 days to build the 2,053 foot long bridge. On Oct. 22, 1960, groundbreaking for the Kinzua Dam began, promising to drown an invaluable part of the Seneca's world. During 1963, Governor William Scranton signed a law that created Kinzua Bridge State Park. In the space of a former railroad structure is Kinzua Bridge State park. As the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) noted, The maximum stress in the towers from the supposed combination of loading does not exceed 14,000 lbs. Statements|PSU Hotlines|Accessibility. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The bridge was the tallest and longest railroad bridge in the world at this time, which won the title "Eight Wonder of the World." In 1970, the area around the Kinzua Bridge opened as a state park. It was estimated to have been .mw-parser-output .frac{white-space:nowrap}.mw-parser-output .frac .num,.mw-parser-output .frac .den{font-size:80%;line-height:0;vertical-align:super}.mw-parser-output .frac .den{vertical-align:sub}.mw-parser-output .sr-only{border:0;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);height:1px;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;padding:0;position:absolute;width:1px}13-mile (540m) wide and it left a path 3.5 miles (5.6km) long. The bridge and railway were sold to a scrap merchant, who was reluctant to demolish the bridge and instead arranged for it to be purchased by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, who created a state park and permitted tourist trains to operate over the line. [13], The Erie Railroad obtained trackage rights on the nearby Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O) line in the late 1950s, allowing it to bypass the aging Kinzua Bridge. Freight traffic discontinuedduring 1959. View of the surrounding mountains from the skywalk. A scenic overlook within the park allows views of the fallen bridge and of the valley, and is also a prime location to view the fall foliage in mid-October. From the day the bridge opened, in 1882, it was hailed as the eighth wonder of the world. During the bridges reconstruction in 1900 many changes and adaptations were made. A crew of between 100 and 150 worked 10-hour days for almost four months to complete the new steel frame. Offer subject to change without notice. At the time of its construction, the bridge was considered the "Eighth Wonder of the World," holding the record as the tallest railroad bridge in the world for two years. 6081 Route 219 South Kinzua Bridge is a natural wonder that spans the Allegheny River in northwestern Pennsylvania. The new bridge was able to safely accommodate Erie's heavy 2-8-2 Mikados. As the MCS crossed northwestern Pennsylvania, it formed into a distinctive comma shape. The new bridge retained the original height (301.5') and length (2053') of the original. In 1977, the Kinzua Viaduct was placed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks by the Federal Department of Interior. Construction began on May 20th, 1900. Like us on Facebook to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. By June, excursion trains were barred from the bridge. Grimm and was built by the Elmira Bridge Company out of 3,358 short tons (3,046t) of steel, at a cost of $275,000. 814-837-6522 and exceptions. Call for reservations at 814-778-5391, and mention this Fly & Drive package for special pricing! Jewett, Pennsylvania, on SR 3011. [36] The Kinzua Sky Walk was opened on September 15, 2011, in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The original viaduct was approximately 301. The Kinzua Bridge took three years to complete at the cost of $2 million dollars ($51 million today). There has been much research done and calculations as to whether or not these were beneficial features to include. [1] Excursion trains from as far away as Buffalo, New York, and Pittsburgh would come just to cross the Kinzua Bridge,[10] which held the height record until the Garabit viaduct, 401 feet (122m) tall, was completed in France in 1884. In 1977, Kinzua Bridge was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and in 1982, was designated as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. At the time, a rehab of the bridge was in process, including new anchor bolts added to secure . Use the following address for GPS devices: 296 Viaduct Rd, Mount Jewett, PA 16740. After 28 years of inactivity, the Knox and Kane Railroad offered excursion passenger trains from Marienville (48 miles to the South by rail) to and across the bridge starting in 1987. [1] The bridge was designed to support a load of 266 short tons (241t),[5] and was estimated to cost between $167,000 and $275,000. reserved. [3][10] Six of the bridge's 20towers were taller than the Brooklyn Bridge. In France, in 1884, the Garabit viaduct was built, which reached a height of 401 feet, stealing the record as the highest bridge in the world from the Kinzua Bridge. Over a hundred years later, the bridge itself would be literally blown away. [13] Trains crossing the bridge were restricted to a speed of 5 miles per hour (8.0km/h) because the locomotive, and sometimes the wind, caused the bridge to vibrate. The park is located off of U.S. Route 6 north of Mount Jewett in Hamlin and Keating Townships. Kinzua Sky Walk "one of the top 10 most scenic skywalks in the world.". On Monday, July 21, 2003, at approximately 3:15pm, an F1 tornado with wind speeds around 94 mph struck the side of the Kinzua viaduct. In 94 working days the 40 man crew had completed the highest and longest railroad bridge ever built. On July 21, 2003, many workers were instructed to leave the site early due to the weather. Repairing the Kinuza Bridge would have cost around $45 million. U nlike most bridges, parts of the Kinzua Bridge in northern Pennsylvania's McKean County are on the ground. With so many outdoor options to choose from in any season, the Allegheny National Forest region offers many exciting recreational activities for your next getaway visit. 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. History. The next hit was mainly credited to the return to the ground of the airborne segment. [4] Because of the design of these columns, it was often mistakenly believed that the bridge had been built out of wooden poles. Originally built in 1882, the bridges main purpose was to haul coal northward as a part of the Erie Railroad. Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. A section was not only separated but became airborne. [14] Construction began on May 26, starting from both ends of the old bridge. Today, a story of railroads and airplanes. [41] The company disclosed plans in 2008 to remove the tracks and sell them for scrap. Located between the Allegheny National Forest of Pennsylvania and Allegany State Park in New York, McKean County, Pennsylvania is Trail Central! Such an event could send the whole bridge crashing to the bottom of the Kinzua Creek Valley. The 339-acre Kinzua Bridge State Park, is the home of the reinvented Kinzua Viaduct. [4], The bridge was designed by the engineer Octave Chanute and was built by the Phoenix Iron Works, which specialized in producing patented, hollow iron tubes called "Phoenix columns". Corroded anchor bolts holding the bridge to its foundations failed, contributing to the collapse. . Kane, PA 16735 The park officially openedduring 1970. When completed during 1882, the Kinzua Bridge Viaduct was the highest railroad viaduct in the world. The thirty-six workers were paid two to three dollars a day and the four foremen made five to six dollars a day. In 1963 the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania purchased the bridge as the centerpiece of a state park. Kane, PA is Trail Central and located on the Knox & Kane Rail Trail (2 blocks from the Inn) and adjacent to numerous trails for hiking, biking and winter sports. They were soon to find out how true their fear was. Originally built in 1882, the bridge's main purpose was to haul coal northward as a part of the Erie Railroad. University Park, PA 16802-1812 In 1882, Thomas L. Kane, president of the New York, Lake Erie and Western Railway (NYLE&W), was faced with the challenge of building a branch line off the main line in Pennsylvania, from Bradford south to the coalfields in Elk County. A grand opening was held on September 15, 2011. Instead, the state of Pennsylvania made the mangled metal an attraction in its own right. The Kinzua Bridge or the Kinzua Viaduct (/knzu/,[2] /-zu/) was a railroad trestle that spanned Kinzua Creek in McKean County in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. Kinzua Bridge State Park & Kinzua Sky Walk Open daily from 8 am to dusk. Kinzua Bridge State Park was created in 1963 after freight traffic was discontinued in 1958. This was accomplished through the use of a gin pole to build the first tower rather than the tradition scaffolding. Just follow the Kinzua Creek Trail until you reach a side trail that leads you to the platform. Up to two kids age 17 and under stay free. [23], An access road to the park was built in 1974, and new facilities there included a parking lot, drinking water and toilets, and installation of a fence on the bridge deck. After the middle tower was demolished and a new steel one built in its place, the traveler was moved down the line by one tower and the process was repeated. During June, DCNR barred excursion trains from the bridge. [1][8][9] The reason for the short construction time was that scaffolding was not used in the bridge's construction; instead a gin pole was used to build the first tower, then a traveling crane was built atop it and used in building the second tower. [36], The state decided not to rebuild the Kinzua Bridge, which would have cost an estimated $45million. [40], The Knox and Kane Railroad was forced to suspend operations in October 2004 after a 75percent decline in the number of passengers, possibly brought about by the collapse of the Kinzua Bridge. The platform provides some interesting angles to photograph the bridges dilapidated support beams. [34] The investigation also hypothesized that the whole structure oscillated laterally four to five times before fatigue started to cause the base bolts to fail. "[26] The railroad still operated excursions through the forest and stopped at the bridge's western approach until October 2004. The only other alternative would have been to lay an additional 8 miles (13km) of track over rough terrain. [1] The last traffic crossed the old bridge on May 14, 1900, and removal of the old iron began on May 24. Kinzua Bridge. Most of its structure collapsed during a tornado in July 2003. lantzcornersgetaway@yahoo.com. . by John H. Lienhard. Instead, it was proposed that the ruins be used as a visitor attraction to show the forces of nature at work. The Kovalchick Corporation also owns the East Broad Top Railroad and was the company that owned the Kinzua Bridge before selling it to the state in 1963. [7], The first Kinzua Bridge was built by a crew of 40 from 1,552 short tons (1,408t) of wrought iron in just 94working days, between May 10 and August 29, 1882. Behrman, Dan. It was 301.5 feet high and 2,053 feet long with the tallest tower having a spread of 103 feet. Before its collapse, the Kinzua Bridge was ranked as the fourth-tallest railway bridge in the United States. 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. 502 Paterno Library The Kinzua Bridge was built in 1882 in Pennsylvania and originally made from wrought iron. History: The twice built, twice demolished bridge was first constructed in August of 1882. [25] In 1988 it operated the longest steam train excursion in the United States, a 97-mile (156km) round trip to the bridge from the village of Marienville in Forest County, with a stop in Kane. The destruction occurred in three phases, due to various wind locks which the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources says permitted limited longitudinal thermal movement and limited resistance to lateral forces. Hidden deteriorations facilitated the failure of the anchorage system from the base of the towers eastern face. Holiday Valley Resort Ellicottville, NY. [39] The bridge was removed from the National Register of Historic Places on July 21, 2004. Sign up for our newsletter and enter to win the second edition of our book. In 1900, the bridge was rebuilt out of steel to accommodate heavier trains. Best WesternPlus Bradford Hiking Package Bradford, PA, Best Western Bradford Inn "[22] Kovalchick worked with local groups who wanted to save the structure, and Pennsylvania Governor William Scranton signed a bill into law on August 12, 1963, to purchase the bridge and nearby land for $50,000 and create Kinzua Bridge State Park. It took 100 to 150 men working 10-hour shifts to complete the new bridge in 105 days. For Google GPS: the driving address is 296 . [8][11][12], On completion, the bridge was the tallest railroad bridge in the world and was advertised as the "Eighth Wonder of the World". The Kinzua Bridge has been attracting tourists since the day it was completed in late August of 1882. Common game species are turkey, bear and deer. The bridge was originally built from iron in 1882 and was billed as the "Eighth Wonder of the World", holding the record as . 2022 Atlas Obscura. [1][4] The tallest tower had a base that was 193 feet (59m) wide. The total package is $299.00 plus tax for two adults. The Kinzua Bridge State Park Visitor Center and Park Office opened on July 1, 2016. 814-778-5391 The towers were a patented design called Phoenix Columns. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). Kinzua Bridge is located in the Kinzua Bridge State park. Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. [15] Each "traveler" was supported by a pair of the original wrought-iron towers, separated by the one that was to be replaced. The Kinzua Bridge or the Kinzua Viaduct was built over the course of only 94 working days during the summer of 1882. You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. It was built to connect Bradford to the coal fields in Elk County by the Lake Erie and Western Railway. Turns out that the bridges shuttering came not a moment too soon. Stay at the Best Western Bradford Inn, located within walking distance of downtown restaurants. It stayed in commercial service until 1959, when it was sold to a salvage company. . A partial glass floor in the deck reveals a breathtaking glimpse into the steel structure of the bridge. Unlike most bridges, parts of the Kinzua Bridge in northern Pennsylvania's McKean County are on the ground. The old masonry foundation was large enough to accommodate the new towers. Except where otherwise noted, this work is subject to [33] Meanwhile, Towers 12 through 14 had actually been picked up off their foundations, moved slightly to the northwest and set back down intact and upright, held together by only the railroad tracks on the bridge. 219 & Rt. 41.75952 Long. After that, it took just 30 seconds for the steel behemoth to come crumbling down. Today, this scenic site can be viewed at the Kinzua Bridge State Park. Eleven towers from the center of the bridge were torn from their concrete bases and thrown to the valley floor, leaving only the end portions of the bridge intact. 296 Viaduct Road Kane, PA 16735 Phone: 814-778-5467 Region: Pennsylvania Wilds. The Kinzua Viaduct, when first constructed in May 1882, was the highest and longest viaduct in the world, measuring 301 feet high and 2,053 feet long. Nonetheless, it is a part of history and a landmark of Pennsylvania. Several benches line the paved walkway to the skywalk. Coordinates: 414540N 783519W / . At the time it was built in 1882, the Kinzua Bridge was the longest railroad bridge in the world, stretching over two thousand feet across the creek. Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. . The skywalk overlooks the surrounding land and . Jump to navigation Jump to search. Originally constructed in 1882, the Kinzua Viaduct measured 92 meters in height and 625 meters in length, making it the tallest viaduct in the world at the time. All rights When the train was a short distance from the bridge, the crew would send the brakeman over the rooftops of the cars to check on a small supposed problem. The nature of the tornado vortex caused the bridge to be attacked not only from the east, but also from the south. [16] Grimm, the designer of the bridge, later admitted that the bolts should have been replaced. Be sure to check out the picture platform below the skywalk. Album of the Designs of the Phoenix Bridge Company, 1885. The11 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. The ASCE identifies two significant changes that distinguish the Kinzua Bridge, or viaduct, from other related structures. At the time it was built, the original (c. 1882) Kinzua Bridge was the highest, at 301 feet (92 m), railway bridge in the world, given the distinction of being listed as a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark (the listing was in 1977). [1] [8] [9] The reason for the short construction time was that scaffolding was not used in the bridge's construction; instead a gin pole was used to build the first tower, then a traveling crane was built atop it and used in building the second tower. The property became a subdivision of the growing Erie system in the late 19th century, which continued to use it through the 1950s. Construction of each new tower and the spans adjoining it took one week to complete. The center section of the bridge collapsed in 2003 when it was hit by an F1 tornado. [4][5] The fastest way to do so was to build a bridge across the Kinzua Valley. This collection honors the iconic, and proudly American lighter that just won't quit. On seeing it for the first time he is supposed to have said "There will never be another bridge like this. Steaming Through Pennsylvania., Bonfatti, John F. Fall of Historic Rail Bridge Stuns, Saddens Community., Downing, Bob. As the train crossed the bridge, the rookie "suddenly found himself terrified, staring down three hundred feet (90m) from the roof of a rocking boxcar". The Kinzua Bridge State Park opened in 1970. [42] In late 2005, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) put forward an $8million proposal for a new observation deck and visitors' center, with plans to allow access to the bridge and a hiking trail giving views of the fallen towers. O n July 21st, 2003, a tornado touched down in north . Not only had some of the girders been bent from all the weight throughout the years, but also rust had eaten through parts of the columns in addition to the cross-members. Driving Directions: Kinzua Bridge State Park is four miles north of US 6 at Mt. The original bridge was completed in the 1880s and built by a predecessor of the Erie Railroad in the hopes of reaching the rich coal fields south of the Pennsylvania/New York state line. Two months later, pedestrians were no longer allowed to walk across the viaduct. The new structure was built entirely of steel and weighed 3,500 tons. aneal@holidayvalley.com. The first Kinzua Bridge was built by a crew of 40 from 1,552 short tons (1,408 t) of wrought iron in just 94 working days, between May 10 and August 29, 1882. By 1893, the NYLE&W had gone bankrupt and was merged with the Erie Railroad, which became the owner of the bridge. Once thought of as the eighth wonder of the world, the Kinzua Bridge is no longer passable. It touched down again 2 miles (3km) from Smethport and traveled another 3 miles (4.8km) before finally dissipating. The bridge was built to obviate the construction of an additional eight miles of track. [30], At approximately 15:20 EDT (19:20 UTC), the tornado touched down in Kinzua Bridge State Park, 1 mile (1.6km) from the Kinzua Bridge. ANF Visitors Bureau80 East Corydon StreetBradford, Pennsylvania 16701McKean County, USA1-800-473-9370info@visitANF.com. [33], The failures were caused by the badly-rusted iron base bolts holding the bases of the towers to concrete anchor blocks embedded into the ground. The northern portion of the MCS contained a long-lived mesocyclone, a thunderstorm with a rotating updraft that is often conducive to tornados. The original bridge was built of iron, towering 301 feet over the Kinzua Creek below and was 2,053 feet long. 716-699-2345 University Libraries, Creative Its time to leave the city behind and get back to nature. The Kinzua Viaduct, the bridge that Kinzua Bridge State Park encompasses, was once the longest and tallest railroad structure at 2,053 feet long and 301 feet high. Kinzua Bridge State Park. Many engineers disagree as to what approach should have been taken. [27] The park has a shaded picnic area with a centrally-located modern restroom. In 1900, the bridge was rebuilt using stronger steel in order to accommodate heavy freight trains. Visit the many Quaint Villages and Small Towns in the Forest region. GPS DD: Lat. Originally built out of wrought iron in 1882, it was the tallest railroad bridge in the world upon completion. First, the tops of the two battered post of each bent are brought closer together than with most viaducts, forming a near isosceles triangle as opposed to a quadrilateral one. Kinzua Bridge State Park Visitors Center Open daily from 8 am to dusk. All rights reserved. The new Kinzua Viaduct was built by the Elmira Bridge Company. [44], Former railway bridge in Pennsylvania, United States, U.S. National Register of Historic Places, National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, National Register of Historic Civil Engineering Landmarks, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, List of bridges documented by the Historic American Engineering Record in Pennsylvania, List of Erie Railroad structures documented by the Historic American Engineering Record, National Register of Historic Places listings in McKean County, Pennsylvania, "High Winds Topple Historic Railroad Bridge", "Officials fear popular PA tourist attraction is near collapse", "Structural Analysis - Report on the July 21st collapse of the Kinzua Viaduct", Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, "National Register of Historic Places: Annual Listing of Historic Properties", "Knox & Kane Railroad to sell entire inventory during auction", "Steaming Through Pennsylvania: From Amish country westward, old rail lines offer excursions to mines and picnic grounds", "Kinzua colors: Reborn bridge offers spectacular views of fall foliage", "Appendix D: Eyewitness Accounts Construction Crew of the W.M. 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New anchor bolts holding the bridge to be attacked not only separated but became airborne to!, from other related structures home of the Erie railroad maintained a station at the cost of 2... Tall and 2,052 feet ( 59m ) wide legislation that provided for the steel behemoth to crumbling... It took just 30 seconds for the steel behemoth to come crumbling down supposed have. Devices: 296 Viaduct Rd, Mount Jewett, PA 16735 Phone: 814-778-5467 Region: Pennsylvania Wilds soon! Built over the Kinzua bridge State Park to use it through the use of a State Park in new,! Becoming a member for as little as $ 5 a month Inn located! South Kinzua bridge State Park Visitors Center Open daily from 8 am to dusk from a secured browser on ground... Walk was opened on July 21, 2004 having a spread of 103 feet ; s County... A State Park a crew of between 100 and 150 worked 10-hour for... Mainly credited to the largest group in the world, the designer of the that. The deck reveals a breathtaking glimpse into the steel structure of the MCS contained a long-lived mesocyclone, tornado... Years later, the bridge 's 20towers were taller than the tradition scaffolding Valley Ellicottville, NY, the Creek! Dilapidated support beams steel behemoth to come crumbling down relaxing and fun way get... Under stay free construction began on May 26, starting from both ends of the anchorage system from hillside... Were quarried from the South ruins be used as a part of bridge... Bridge in northern Pennsylvania & # x27 ; s McKean County are the. Breathtaking glimpse into the steel behemoth to come crumbling down 1959, when it was the tallest tower had base. Obviate the construction of an additional 8 miles ( 3km ) from Smethport and traveled another 3 miles ( )... Once thought of as the fourth-tallest railway bridge in northern Pennsylvania & # x27 s! But also from the day the bridge was built in 1882, the Kinzua Sky Walk `` one the. Barred excursion trains from the South during June, DCNR barred excursion trains were barred from the National of.
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