Hot metal Bridge Historical MarkerThe Hot Metal Bridge in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is two separate bridges, one for pedestrians and one for automobiles. The two bridges are unconnected physically, but their paired design has shaped their presence as a single name.[1] The original Monongahela Connecting Railroad Bridge linked the J&L Steel mill to the Eliza Furnace’s blast furnaces across the river.[2] By 1887, the original single-span bridge stood, but the growing business prompted an additional track to be constructed in 1900.[3] This higher second bridge inspired the bridge’s name as it carried the scorching molten steel across the Monongahela River.[4] Following the closure of the J&L Steel complex in 1984, the bridge was abandoned by the steel industry.[5] The first bridge dating back to 1887 is now automobile-based transportation which first opened to traffic in 2000 while the second bridge is a pedestrian walkway as of 2007.[6] I have crossed the Hot Metal Bridge numerous times while living in Pittsburgh. Admittedly it is a little bit of an odd route to take as it does drive straight through downtown. However, I had never walked on the Hot Metal Bridge until I decided to learn about its history. On an unseasonably hot day, I ventured across the Hot Metal Bridge to find signage related to both the bridge and art installation in the Three Rivers Heritage Park on the South Side bank of the Monongahela River. Hidden on the ramp walkway of the Hot Metal Bridge, below the handrail, is the dedication marker noting the organizations that made the railroad to pedestrian bridge possible. But, of course, there is no acknowledgment of the history of the bridge. Not even a date of initial construction. This is a lost opportunity. Not only is this one of the tons of bridges crossing the rivers surrounding downtown Pittsburgh, but Hot Metal Bridge also has such an intriguing name that locals and visitors alike would wonder about its historical origins. But apparently, the city is not ready to converse with this history. The imposing rusting metal sculpture dedicated to the Steelworkers of the Pittsburgh Works and Evan James O’Toole, the artist’s father, and designed by James A. O’Toole stands towering next to the lower bridge. Every angle that I viewed this dramatic sculpture changed my perspective on what this bridge and city meant, especially within the context of the “Steel City.” This abstract sculpture is meant to capture the danger and bravery of the steelworkers. O’Toole’s design is inspired by his discussions with previous steelworkers and the legacy of steel in Pittsburgh.[7] The abstract form of the sculpture represents a steel mill with a “ladle, a shed where steelworkers could take shelter inside the mill, a catwalk, and train tracks.”[8] The holes at the top of the massive ladle represent “the graphite that snowed constantly” with a vision that rainwater will enact that same sort of route as the molten ore that once posed a constant threat in the steel mills.[9] This sculpture stands in the shadow of new development in South Side acting as a small tie to the historic industry that founded the area.
References
[1] Frederick T Gretton, “Hot Metal Bridge,” Historic Pittsburgh, accessed March 26, 2021, https://historicpittsburgh.org/islandora/object/pitt%3AMSP328.B001.F10.I01. [2] Frederick T Gretton, “Hot Metal Bridge,” Historic Pittsburgh, accessed March 26, 2021, https://historicpittsburgh.org/islandora/object/pitt%3AMSP328.B001.F10.I01. [3] Frederick T Gretton, “Hot Metal Bridge,” Historic Pittsburgh, accessed March 26, 2021, https://historicpittsburgh.org/islandora/object/pitt%3AMSP328.B001.F10.I01. [4] Chris Potter, “The ‘Hot Metal Bridge’ -- Is It Really Hot? And Where Is It Located?,” Pittsburgh City Paper (Pittsburgh City Paper, February 10, 2021), https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/the-hot-metal-bridge-is-it-really-hot-and-where-is-it-located/Content?oid=1335246. [5] Blair Kamin, “There's a Lot a Guy Can Learn from Pittsburgh,” chicagotribune.com, August 28, 2018, https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2002-08-09-0208090009-story.html. [6] Grata, Joe. Bridge has long, important history, June 24, 2000. http://old.post-gazette.com/regionstate/20000624HotHistory8.asp. Lawrence Walsh, “Hot Metal Bike/Pedestrian Bridge Opens,” Hot Metal bike/pedestrian bridge opens, November 28, 2007, https://old.post-gazette.com/pg/07332/837383-100.stm [7] Patricia Lowry, “A Stream of Tears Where Molten Metal Flowed,” A stream of tears where molten metal flowed, April 21, 2001, https://old.post-gazette.com/neigh_city/20010421steel2.asp. [8] Patricia Lowry, “A Stream of Tears Where Molten Metal Flowed,” A stream of tears where molten metal flowed, April 21, 2001, https://old.post-gazette.com/neigh_city/20010421steel2.asp. [9] Patricia Lowry, “A Stream of Tears Where Molten Metal Flowed,” A stream of tears where molten metal flowed, April 21, 2001, https://old.post-gazette.com/neigh_city/20010421steel2.asp.
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AuthorAlex Warren is a public historian living in the Twin Cities. She is passionate about digital opportunities to engage public audiences and encourage community engagement. |
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