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
The People’s Bridge. 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.
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
By Beverly Pfingsten, March 15, 2008
2. The People's Bridge.
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 1,685 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 18, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.
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