Which Bridge Is Your Favorite?

PHOTO VIA PITTSBURGH MAGAZINE ARCHIVES | THE SMITHFIELD STREET BRIDGE IS ONE OF THREE CHOICES IN A POLL BY THE KAMIN SCIENCE CENTER

Pittsburghers have a tough choice to make.

The Kamin Science Center is adding a bridge to its famous Miniature Railroad & Village, located on the second floor of the North Shore museum. It is asking Pittsburghers to help choose which one.

Folks can vote daily on the Science Center’s website through July 31 for the Smithfield Street Bridge, the Hot Metal Bridge or Panther Hollow Bridge. The winner will debut as part of the updated miniature village in fall of 2027.

On the website, there’s also a drop-down menu below each bridge to supply voters with historical information and fun facts, just in case they need something to sway their vote. 

The oldest of the three choices, the Smithfield Street Bridge, was built in 1883. It takes the title of the oldest bridge in Downtown Pittsburgh, having replaced the Monongahela Bridge after it was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1845. At 1,184 feet long, it is also one of the first in the country to use structural steel in its construction. 

The Hot Metal Bridge, which was completed in 1900, is aptly named; it saw locomotives hauling 4,300 tons of molten iron across the river each day at the height of Pittsburgh’s steel boom. During World War II, 15% of the total steelmaking capacity in the U.S. crossed the Mon via this iconic railroad. 

Built in 1896, the Panther Hollow Bridge has long been a staple in Oakland’s Schenley Park. At 360 feet long, the bridge represents an old and rare example of steel arch technology with a three-hinged deck arch at 120 feet high.

As of July 8, the Smithfield Street Bridge is pulling ahead, with 48.16% of the votes. Next comes Panther Hollow, at 26.09%, followed by the Hot Metal Bridge, at 25.75%. 

Which will you vote for?