Tufa Bridge in Panther Hollow - Bridges and Tunnels of Allegheny County and Pittsburgh, PA

View north near steps to Nature Center

More detail photos

OFFICIAL NAME:

OTHER DESIGNATION:
Tufa Bridge in Panther Hollow

LOCATION:
Pittsburgh (Schenley Park)

USGS 7.5" Topo Quad - UTM Coordinates:
Pittsburgh East - Zone 17; 0590 4476

CARRIES:
pedestrians, Lower Panther Hollow Bridle Path

BETWEEN:
--

CROSSES:
-- stream

TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION / DESIGN:
concrete filled arch covered with tufa mineral deposits

LENGTH OF MAIN SPAN:

TOTAL LENGTH (including longest elevated ramp):

HEIGHT OF DECK:

YEAR ERECTED / ENGINEER:
1908, City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Works
George W. Burke, Superintendent of Parks

ADDITIONAL INFO:
These otherwise ordinary reinforced concrete bridges were made special with a facing of tufa. Tufa is a white, porous, cryptocrystalline calcium carbonate which is formed as piled-up mineral deposits formed beneath the water's surface. The most famous source is Mono Lake is California where mineral-rich spring water interacts with the salt water of the lake. The material used in these bridges is from a deposit in Ohio. Close inspection of the material shows a conglomeration of tiny coral-like tubes and straws and nodules.

view page - Tufa Bridge below Serpentine Rd with close up photo of tufa

FIELD CHECKED:
03-Oct-2000

INFO SOURCES:
Kidney "Pittsburgh's Bridges"

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Introduction -- Nearby Structures

Page created:
Last modified: 14-Nov-2000

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