A boom and a cloud bid farewell to major bridge near Pittsburgh, demolished for new spans

Pa. highway bridge disappears with boom, cloud

PITTSBURGH — A nearly 60-year-old bridge that once took the Pennsylvania Turnpike across the Allegheny River near Pittsburgh has been demolished.

The bridge was taken down Tuesday with 200 pounds of explosives. Traffic on the turnpike was stopped for about half an hour during the demolition.

Twin spans are replacing the bridge. One is already open and is carrying both directions of turnpike traffic.

Officials say the demolished bridge fell safely into the river. Two surviving sections over land will be destroyed later this month.