Harrisburg in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The People’s Bridge

Landmark Era - Since 1972

Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, March 15, 2008

1. The People's Bridge Marker

Inscription. Built to pre-automobile specifications before the turn of the 20th Century, the People's Bridge by mid century earned the nickname, "Old Shakey," because of the noisy vibrations of its cast-iron superstructure under an ever-increasing volume of traffic. It was closed to all but pedestrian and bicycle traffic after 1972, when it was severely weakened by the Hurricane Agnes Flood. In January 1996, a major ice flood destroyed three of the bridge[']s western spans. The immediate outpouring of public concern for this beloved landmark resulted in the formation of the People's Bridge Coalition and a campaign to ensure the bridge's restoration and preservation. In 1998, the eastern span was fully restored and a plan was established for restoration of the western span to its historic appearance. The Bridge remains a vital, heavily used link between Harrisburg's revitalized Riverfront Park and City Island.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Disasters • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1996.

Location. 40° 15.548′ N, 76° 53.07′ W. Marker is in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in Dauphin County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Walnut Street and North Front Street. Plaque is on the north side of the

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bridge. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 107 N Front St, Harrisburg PA 17101, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Walnut Street Bridge (a few steps from this marker); James McCormick Mansion (a few steps from this marker); Swenson Plaza Flood Memorial (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The People’s Bridge (a few steps from this marker); The First River School (a few steps from this marker); Harrisburg Public Library Dauphin County Library System (a few steps from this marker); Threatened Invasion of Harrisburg (within shouting distance of this marker); Governors’ Row (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harrisburg.

Additional commentary.
1. People's Bridge Coalition
How does one contact the PBC?

Editor's Note: We are not affiliated with this organization, so regrettably cannot directly assist with your request. Perhaps someone reading this can assist by providing separate commentary below.

— Submitted April 2, 2012, by John Dowlin of Philadelphia, Phila..

The People's Bridge. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, March 15, 2008

2. The People's Bridge.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 15, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 18, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,869 times since then and 17 times this year. Last updated on July 14, 2022, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 18, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.