Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-03-13
NEW BRIDGE PLANS.
An Asphalt Pavement Structure
Across the Allegheny River.
THE FINEST CROSSINGIN AMERICA
It Will be q Continuation of the Streets it
, Connects.
THE LATTERS GRADE TO BE CHANGED

Messrs. George Shiras, John Harper, Jr.
and John B. jackson, composing the bridge
committee, appointed at the last meeting Of
the directors Of the Sixth Street Bridge
Company, received yesterday unique plan
for the new bridge over the Allegheny river.
1t is now assured that magnificent structure
will replace the present relic of a past era in
bridge building.
The possibility OF new bridge has been
frequently mooted in these columns, and the
certainty that the bridge company directors
intend to keep abreast of the times in pro-
viding the main artery of traffic between
the sister cities with the finest bridge in the
United States will be agreeable news to the
public. Prior to the recent annual meeting
of the stockholders there was talk of de-
ferring the erection of new bridge for another
year. but the sentiment in favor of improve
ment was SO strong that the above committee
was appointed and instructed to ask for plans
from men OF recognized experience.
MANY NOVEL FEATURES.
The plan submitted yesterday was received
with great favor, and has many novel features
to commend it to the public. meeting of the
committee will be held shortly, and it is con-
sidered certain that it will be accepted. From
an interested party the following description
of the general features of the plan was secured:
The bridge will be of the same width as Sixth
and Federal streets, and will be practical con-
tinuation of the roadway. The structure will
be of the strongest possible character and its
designer assures the committee that it will be
so solid that a railway train at full speed could
pass over it without jar or tremor. There
will be three spans with two piers, this necessi-
tating the removal of the present piers. I'm
mense arches will spring from each pier, and it
may be possible to secure a slight elevation
over the present bridge. The method of con-
structon will cause but temporary suspension
of traffic, an item of much imp ortance when
the large receipts of the company are con-
sidered. There will not be particle of wood.
work about the bridge.
PAVED WITH ASPHALT.
The entire width of the structure will be
paved with asphalt block, laid upon iron
plates of great thickness. There will be
four tracks, two for fast and two for slow
travel. The footways will be much wider than
at present, and the absolute durability of the
work will receive careful consideration. The
requirements for rapid transit are fully met in
every respect. The general feeling among the
stockholders is that it is time that the future
growth of the two cities be met in a thorough
and progressive manner.
In consideration of the fact that the plan
submitted comprehends two stately stone
portals, one at either end of the bridge. form
ing the entrances from the respective streets,
the Councils of both cities will be asked to
make the approaches of the bridge conform to
the appearances of things. Allegheny
Councils will be asked to raise Federal
street to a. mean level based on
the Fort Wayne tracks, and the
north portal of the bridge with
repaving of course included. Federal street
hon ho ho in
On the Pittsburg side not so much Is necessary
in the way of improvement, but the bridge dl.
rectors feel that the cities ought to show a sub
stantal appreciation Of SO imposing bridge
as that now Projected. 1t is recognized that in
adopting the plan of new bridge of charac-
ter in keeping with the future of the two cities,
the chances for a parallel bridge for rapid
transit or any other purposes are rendered very
nebulous.
Work will be commenced this morning on
the sketch plans of the structure. The de-
signer withhOlds his name, 1t is understood,
pending the further canyassing Of the situa-
tion. -