Destroyed in the Blink of an Eye: The Mighty Kinzua Viaduct

On July 21, 2003 a great and powerful mass of winds passed through the northeast with Pennsylvania and Ohio as the likely target. In the storm’s path a mighty structure of one hundred and twenty one years old fell to the bottom of the mass basin it over passed. Both time and nature destroyed the “8^th Wonder of The World” in the blink of an eye. Rusty bolts could not wait for the “in progress” restoration as the powerful ninety some mile an hour winds of a F1 tornado took aim at the great Kinzua Viaduct.

Built in 1882, the Kinzua Viaduct was the highest railroad bridge ever constructed in those days and still fourth largest the day it fell. The height was a mere three hundred and one feet tall expanding over two thousand feet from one mountain to another. It was a plan to bring profits to both the railroads and the coal company saving the miles taken to stir around the valley instead of crossing it as the crow flies. The Kinzua Bridge is located in McKean County on the out skirts of Mount Jewett, Pennsylvania. Gone, but not forgotten, it is left in ruins as a reminder to man of nature’s strength. The Kinzua Creek Valley has been defaced leaving yet another historical event to talk about.

In 1900, the iron built bridge was reconstructed to carry more weight. This time steel was used to ensure strength to last for years to come. Constant inspections were done for safety of the towers to hold their precious cargo as it passed. High winds would often sway this structure, but with the 5 mile an hour speed limit issued for the engineers to obey, safe passage was promised. The freight cars hauling coal steadily along the tracks of the Kinzua Viaduct halted in 1959. By 1963, the commonwealth acquired the bridge bringing an attraction to awe tourists as they discover the beauty which lies in one of Pennsylvania’s many state parks. In 1977, the Kinzua Viaduct was put on the National Register of Historic Civil Engineering Landmarks.

Sightseers by the thousands come each year and in the mid 1980s a railroad is founded (Knox, Kane, Kinzua Railroad) to bring groups up the valley with their turn around point being the Kinzua Bridge. They were crossing this bridge as recent as 2002. Autumn is the prime time of the year to travel through the rugged Alleghany National Forest. The state forest of vivid colors, display a gorgeous backdrop for this giant structure, the Kinzua Viaduct, even after the bridge come tumbling down.

The extreme cost associated with rebuilding Kinzua Bridge prompted the state of Pennsylvania to find a better idea. For a fraction of the cost it would have taken to rebuild, they could turn the disaster into a reminder of nature’s force while keeping memories of this structure’s existence alive. They built a new observation deck overlooking the ruins complete with a window panel to view the sights below. On Sept. 15, 2011 a ribbon cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the opening of the new Kinzua Bridge State Park. The long task of restoration to share the history of Kinzua Bridge and beautiful mountain views paid off. Amazed by what they see, tourists engage once again in enjoying the sights of this towering structure. The remains of the Kinzua Bridge are still strong and welcome spectators.

The new pathway leading to the Kinzua Viaduct features engraved bricks purchased to have family names, business, industry, organization group or the like displayed. It is a chance to be a part of history. This Commemorative “Brick” Campaign is an on-going fundraiser to help with maintaining the park for years to come.