You Shall Not Pass... Unless You're on the Longest Bridge in Pennsylvania!
Ah, Pennsylvania. Land of cheesesteaks, liberty bells, and apparently, some seriously long bridges! But which one reigns supreme in the length department? Buckle up, bridge enthusiasts (or those simply avoiding a traffic jam), because we're about to dive into the fascinating world of Pennsylvania's most epic spans.
The Contenders: A Hodgepodge of Steel and Stone
Pennsylvania boasts a variety of bridges, each with its own claim to fame. We've got the venerable Pomeroy-Academia Covered Bridge, all snuggled up at 278 feet, the undisputed champ for longest covered bridges in the state. But for overall length, we need to look elsewhere.
Tip: Absorb, don’t just glance.
One contender is the majestic McKees Rocks Bridge, a steel trussed wonder carrying traffic across the Ohio River. While undeniably impressive, it falls a bit short in the length category.
Then there's the intriguing Rockville Bridge. Now, this one gets a bit technical. Touted as the longest stone-arch bridge in the world upon its 1902 opening (with an asterisk), it blurs the lines by incorporating some concrete. Still a marvel, but perhaps not the champion we seek.
Tip: A slow, careful read can save re-reading later.
The Champion Emerges: Drumroll Please...
And the winner is... the Commodore Barry Bridge! This cantilever behemoth stretches a cool 3.4 miles across the Delaware River, connecting Pennsylvania to New Jersey. That's right, folks, you could practically walk a marathon on this bridge (though we strongly advise against it – sidewalks are a thing for a reason). The Commodore Barry Bridge is also the fourth largest cantilever bridge in the world, so it's not just Pennsylvania bragging rights, it's international recognition!
Tip: Read once for flow, once for detail.
What is The Longest Bridge In Pennsylvania |
Bonus Fun Fact: Tri-County Trivia
QuickTip: Focus on one line if it feels important.
The Emlenton Bridge deserves an honorable mention for another reason entirely. Spanning the Allegheny River, it actually traverses three Pennsylvania counties: Venango, Clarion, and Butler. So, you could technically be in three places at once while crossing this bridge (though physics might argue otherwise).
FAQ: Your Bridge-Crossing Queries Answered
- How to get across the longest bridge in Pennsylvania? The Commodore Barry Bridge carries I-95, so hop on the highway and enjoy the ride (but keep your eyes on the road, not your phone!).
- How long does it take to cross the Commodore Barry Bridge? Depending on traffic, it can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes.
- Can you walk or bike across the Commodore Barry Bridge? Unfortunately, no. The bridge is for vehicles only.
- Is the Commodore Barry Bridge free to cross? Yes, there is no toll for using the Commodore Barry Bridge.
- Are there any scenic overlooks on the Commodore Barry Bridge? While there aren't designated overlooks, the bridge itself offers panoramic views of the Delaware River. Just be sure to admire the vista safely from your car!