Farewell Old Friend

Tomorrow at 9 am the Charleroi/Monessen Bridge, that has stood for over 100 years will come crashing into the Monongahela River.

It was a one of a kind bridge, but even that couldn't save it from destruction.

I know that it is necessary to move ahead and forward, but from what I've seen, there won't be any bridge that they can build that will have the longevity of this one.

The Donora/Monessen Bridge has already undergone extensive repairs, and that bridge is less than 40 years old. That speaks poorly for the design and construction. But then again, maybe it is because we give projects to the lowest bidder rather than to someone that knows how to get a job done.

Farewell old bridge. I enjoyed the shimmy shimmy shakes you gave to my cars from your open grates. It always indicated when new tires were needed.

There will never be another bridge like you. May you float on to history......