It’s a mess with all the cranes and trucks and trailers and traffic, so photographing this massive construction project is a challenge if not a life-threatening endeavor; but I found a rare opening in the chaos today that allowed me to capture this sliver of the scene.
As the Allegheny River flows below, the replacement bridge goes up above situated directly upstream (in the foreground here) of the existing lavender-yes-lavender-colored Hulton Bridge. Why lavender? Many reasons have been cited, and I don’t know which is true; but one thing I do know is when that pale purple paint was slapped on during the 1991 refurbishment, many eyes went wide open. Some love it, some hate it. I come down on the loving side, so I’m going to miss the lavender-lilac-pale purple-depending on who you ask trusses when explosives drop the 107-year-old bridge into the river with the opening of the new bridge next month.
Pittsburgh is known as the City of Bridges and is believed to have more bridges than any other city in the world. A beautiful city, indeed!
I like viewing this image best on the black background.
I enjoyed reading the history here - I realized I wouldn't have remembered the purple - have just been back there once since 1991 and that was just for a weekend. Always thought those 3 rivers coming together there was so neat - it's amazing when you fly in seeing all those bridges. Nice shot here of progress in the making.
I find it completely amazing how structures like this are built across moving water. Pittsburgh's had lots of practice at it! Good pic for remembering the old and the progress of the new.
@lyndemc Thank you, Denise! It has been amazing to watch the progress of the new bridge over the past two years. Until today, I was unable to get a photo. I just happened to have my camera in the car, and there just happened to be an opening near where I was stopped at a red light this afternoon. I wish I could have included the river, but I'll take what I can get!
My sister-in-law lives just a few blocks from the bridge there in Oakmont. I can't wait for the new bridge to open. It will be so much easier when we visit.
@dsp2 Thank you so much! Many of the bridges in Pittsburgh are painted gold (kind of like sunflower yellow) in honor of our sports teams' colors, which are black and gold. This is the only lavender-colored bridge that I've seen!
@pej Yes, Paul, I agree. The new bridge will make travel in the area so much better! Oakmont is a beautiful community with such a rich history. I visit the shopping district there quite a bit as well as the famous Oakmont bakery...yum!
@janetb That bakery is fabulous! There is a great one in Sewickley as well. It's called The Ultimate Bakery. Not as big as Oakmont but really good goodies!
@jgpittenger Thank you, Jane! I was stopped at a red light, and I just happened to have my camera in the car. It is so chaotic at the intersections there during this construction. I was lucky to find an opening in the chaos to point my camera toward the bridge!
Oh, that's so sad that they're going to blast it! I don't think it was purple the last time I visited Pittsburgh, but I do remember being there for an awesome firework show where all the bridges were lit up.
@olivetreeann Thank you for commenting, Ann! They painted the bridge lavender in 1991. I'm glad you got to enjoy a fireworks display as you described! Pittsburgh goes all out on fireworks!
