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from 24 to 32 feet, averaging abut 28 feet. Out of a list of 28 such boats but 5 exceed 28 feet in height.

The few packet boats running on the river are of moderate height and can be accommodated in the harbor under the bridges at ordinary river stages. The amount of business that could be done by a few packet boats of extreme and unnecessary height is so small that to raise the bridges to a sufficient height to accommodate it would place an entirely unjustifiable tax and inconvenience upon the far greater business interest of the city concerned in crossing the river.

The following tables show the average number of days per annum during which various types of existing vessels would be prevented from navigation by bridges of various assumed heights above the Davis Island Pool:

TABLE SHOWING EFFECT OF VARIOUS CLEARANCE HEIGHTS UNDER BRIDGES

Assumed bridge height above pool level in feet	Present 6th St. bridge 33	37	42	47	Present 6th St. bridge 33	37	42	47
Types of vessels	Total number of days per annum when clearance would be insufficient.				Total number of days per annum when clearance would be insufficient excluding days when river is above 15-foot stage.
Harbor tugs, average height 24'	12	3	1	1	3	0	0	0
Harbor tugs, maximum height 27'	36	9	1	1	28	0	0	0
Monongahela boats, ordinary maximum height 28'	57	12	2	1	48	3	0	0
Monongahela boats, extreme maximum height 32'	198	57	9	1	189	48	0	0

In drawing conclusions from the above table, as a basis for plans governing the expenditure of millions of dollars in construction and the permanent establishment of conditions of navigation and of traffic over the bridges and the enormous business interests concerned, it is important to bear in mind that the types of vessels here considered are antiquated, and can undoubtedly be materially changed in many particulars to the benefit of all interests.

As bearing directly on this question of boats and bridges, attention is invited to the following extract from the report of

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Last modified on 22-Dec 1999
Design format: copyright 1997-1999 Bruce S. Cridlebaugh
Original document: Frederick Law Olmsted, 1910