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Kinzua Viaduct observation deck to open in Sept.
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MOUNT JEWETT, Pa. -- The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources says a glass-bottom observation deck built on the remains of a historic railroad bridge in northwestern Pennsylvania will open Sept. 15.
The Kinzua Viaduct near Mount Jewett was once the tallest and largest railroad bridge in the world, until a tornado ripped 11 of its 20 support towers from their bases on July 21, 2003.
The Bradford Era reports the Kinzua Bridge State Park deck and walkway are being built atop six of the support towers left standing, but the $4.5 million project first expected to be finished in 2009 has been delayed by weather and other circumstances. A second phase that will include a visitors' center is still in the planning stages.
The 301-foot-tall viaduct was built in 1882, rebuilt to handle bigger trains in 1900 and was used by freight traffic until 1959.
First Published August 2, 2011 11:50 am
