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

The People’s Bridge

Landmark Era - Since 1972

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 bridges 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.

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 N. Front Street. Touch for map. Plaque is on the north side of the bridge. Marker is in this post office area: Harrisburg PA 17101, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this

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

By Beverly Pfingsten, March 15, 2008

2. The People's Bridge.

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); 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); The Calder/Olmsted/McCormick Mansion (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harrisburg.

Additional comments.
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..

Categories. • 20th Century • Bridges & Viaducts • Disasters • Landmarks • Roads & Vehicles •

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on March 18, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,674 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 18, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.