Dunlap's Creek Bridge

The National Road: Brownsville
Dunlap's Creek Bridge

Those that were in attendance on July 4, 1839 never could have imagined that an 80-foot bridge would still be standing today. The dedication of the first iron cast bridge in the United States took place in Brownsville just yards from the east shore of the Monongahela River. It was built and designed by Captain Richard Delafield of the US Army Corps of Engineers; however, he could not even begun to have imagined how the bridge has withstood time and can carry modern weight loads numerous times higher than ever expected.

Two wide shots of Dunlap's Creek Bridge (Bruce Cridlebaugh)

Built by the US Government to stabilize the crossing that had seen three bridges destroyed since 1801 (1), the bridge's cost was $39,811.63. (2) This was one of the last major projects undertaken by the federal government before turning over control of the National Road to the states. The bridge consists of "five parallel arches, each consisting of nine segments." (2) As the canal and rail era's begun to shape the nation, the bridge sat virtually unused to heavy traffic until the automobile age.

Detail of the iron arch superstructure that supports the span.

Over the bridge's 160-plus year history, many changes and awards have come to it. As Brownsville grew with the spread of the coal and steel industries, many structures were built over Dunlap's Creek and were tied into the bridge. Making the bridge appear much shorter in length than it actually is. Beginning with its dedication as a National Historic Landmark in 1920, this old bridge has accumulated five historical and engineering awards. Plaques have been placed on the very detailed railings touting the structure's accomplishments.

A comparison of the bridge today to an early photo of the crossing. (Photo and Image, courtesy Bruce Cridlebaugh)

Dunlap's Creek Bridge also carried the early alignments of US 40 until the completion of the Lane Bane Bridge in the 1940s to the north. It now serves as a crossing for Market Street in 'The Neck.' Below are some direct link to larger photos of various details of the bridge.

A look underneath the bridge (Bee Family)

Close-up of the arch design (Bee Family)

An excellent example of how building have engulfed the bridge (Bee Family)

A look at the arches as they tie into the stone abutment (Brian Reynolds)