I was out driving around today, enjoying the 60 degree plus weather at Thanksgiving and it struck me. I have been really negligent on getting shots of the Masontown, Pa bridge project. When the new one at Denbo, carrying RT 43 went up, I was there every few months, documenting its completion, so I needed to get on the stick.
The current bridge in Masontown travels near to Hatfield Ferry power station, thats probably the most defining characteristic of the bridge. But there was a time, back in 1925, when the bridge was new, it crossed the Monongahela trough quiet countrysides. I found the below shot on an old post card.
A lot has changed in 85 plus years...... The bridge was rehabilitated back in 1992, but for those of us that live here, you'd have never guessed it. This has to be one of the most feared bridges in the area, judging from the general populations opinions. Work began back in Febuary or so, and at the rate it seems to be progressing, I'd estimate it should be ready in about a year or so, which means an implosion of the old bridge will soon follow. Speaking of imploding bridges, you need to check out the blog Danielle did on this imploded bridge from last year, w/ some cool video she shot.
Below from today...thanks to whoever took it!
The current bridge in Masontown travels near to Hatfield Ferry power station, thats probably the most defining characteristic of the bridge. But there was a time, back in 1925, when the bridge was new, it crossed the Monongahela trough quiet countrysides. I found the below shot on an old post card.
 |
| 1925 post card. Really hard to get the same shot today, as it is really grown up. |
 |
| Bridge a few months ago before construction started. |
I plan on updating this blog often, until the bridge is complete, so check back often....in the meantime, I'm going to start this out w/ some shots I took today, November 22, 2012.
I took this from my bicycle about two years ago. Yea, it has a pedestrian crossing, but I never see anyone using it. Doesn't matter much, half of this is stripped away now.
 |
| Boy oh boy, look how bad its seedy underbelly is.... |
 |
| Taken from St. John Serbian Orthodox |
 |
| Taken from St. John Serbian Orthodox. I love incorporating barges into river shots..... |
 |
| St. John Serbian Orthodox and Hatfield Station. |
 |
| Aug. 2013 |
 |
| ...and as of today, 09.2813..... It is gone. |
 |
| Sept. 28, 2013. 6 PM Gone. |
Nice start on your project. I was by there about two weeks ago, and took two photos while driving by. Coming along good.
ReplyDeleteMy mother's side of the family is buried in the cemetery at St. John's Serbian Orthodox church grounds. We try to make our annual visit. I have many photos of the stacks from year to year. Always thought it was so odd, yet unique. Didn't expect to see this shot for sure! Thanks! DS
ReplyDeleteDo you know the date and time of the demo. ?
ReplyDeleteThe church pictured here is actually St George Serbian Orthodox Church. It was established in 1950 with the building of the current structure in 1954.
ReplyDeleteThese are great shots. I enjoy them and would like to look at any other photos you have taken.
ReplyDeleteI think they are going to implode the bridge this sat. I am actually trying to find out the time now and came across your page.
ReplyDeleteI think they are going to implode the bridge this sat. I am actually trying to find out the time now and came across your page.
ReplyDeletehttp://triblive.com/news/fayette/4740554-74/bridge-route-fayette#axzz2fuyUKn5W
ReplyDeleteImplosion this Sat Sept 28, 2013 between 9-10:30.
Yup,shes goin' down! If its anything like the Point Marion Bridge demo,you won't be able to be anywhere near close enough to watch.
ReplyDeleteI have taken several photos of the masontown Bridgee when hearing a new one would be built. I have taken them while driving across it and from the river on my husbands boat, twice. Once one time last year and the most current on Wednesday before the implosion. I have them posted on my FaceBook page, but will have to remove them and put into one album. As I sat on the river Wednesday afternoon, it brought a tear to my eyes, that soon a big part of history would be gone forever. Ironically, not only the bridge gone, so too will Hatfield Ferry Power Plant. Not in the same way, but closed down. That too saddens me... I don't that this new bridge will be as good as this old one was,,,,,, Only time will tell.... Going across the new bridge for the first time , it just wasn't the same going to Uniontown.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSure... Send a link when you post!
DeleteThanks
I crossed this bridge a thousand times as a kid (1943 - 1961) living in McClellandtown. When visiting now (2021), I still like to visit the area and cross the bridge. I have family living in Masontown. (brother's, sisters, nephews, niece's etc)
ReplyDelete