Dorrington Road Bridge in need of group to save it

Allegheny County will be losing an historic bridge next year when the state Department of Transportation replaces the 1888 Dorrington Road Bridge in Collier. ("Bridge built before the automobile age sparks talk of preservation for its history, condition, age," Apr. 19, 2007.)

The only bit of hope is that there is regional interest in trying to relocate and preserve this bridge. There is insufficient room at this site to build an adjacent bridge, so the old bridge will be removed.

If a third party or a coalition will step forward, realize the significant value of this bridge, relocate and preserve it elsewhere, there may be a future for the last remaining local product of the Pittsburgh Bridge Co. According to a database of the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation, the Dorrington Road and the 1881 Smithfield Street bridges are the last pre-1890 truss bridges in Allegheny County.

It seems everyone is in agreement that the problem is funding. One estimate cites a figure of $250,00 to $500,000.

PennDOT has placed some of our historic bridges in state parks, rails to trails sites and university campuses. We're seeking more opportunities for adaptive reuse of these beautiful old structures.

When a new owner can be found, and our project is funded by the Federal Highway Administration, they can reimburse the state for up to 80 percent of the costs of demolition to facilitate moving or preserving the bridge.

I am inviting local preservation groups and trail organizations to save the Dorrington bridge.

Ideally, it could remain in Collier, and though the township has indicated its support for storage and provisions for a new location, it seems progress has stalled.

Those of you in professional engineering associations have a stake in preserving and promoting this unique structure. Perhaps a coalition of various groups could contribute.

With demolition scheduled for early next year, there is little time remaining. Perhaps the bridge could be moved to an adjacent or nearby lot, just to get it out of immediate danger.

BRUCE S. CRIDLEBAUGH