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| - The Hot Metal Bridge is one of Pittsburgh's most unique and pedestrian/cyclist friendly bridges. Like the Birmingham Bridge downriver, it connects the neighborhoods of Oakland and the South Side Flats by crossing the Monongahela River. Additionally, it offers one of the best views of downtown that can be had from a bridge.
The Hot Metal Bridge is unique in that it consists of two spans of different sizes. The original purpose of the larger span was to carry railroad traffic, and the purpose of the smaller span was to shuttle cars of molten hot metal to the J&L steel mill, which once stood on the site of what is now the South Side Works shopping area. Nowadays, the larger span carries vehicular traffic via 29th St., and the smaller span carries pedestrian and cyclist traffic via the Three Rivers Heritage Trail System, which runs along both sides of the Mon River.
Perhaps the best aspect of the Hot Metal Bridge is the unique view that it affords of the downtown PGH skyline. This view of the skyline is one of the best in PGH because it combines several elements unique of the city's landscape and heritage, including the South Side slopes and the Mon River, all of which are framed by its trusses. As such, it's a popular choice as a backdrop for photos of wedding parties and fashion models, as well as as the subject of photos in its own right.
As a recreational cyclist who lives in Oakland and spends the majority of my time cycling on the Three Rivers Heritage trails, I end up crossing this bridge on most of my rides, hence my regular (and occasional dutchess) status. In fact, this bridge is the one I cross most often on my bicycle (and probably in general, for that matter). Given that I often go cycling during the early evening, I enjoy observing sunset from this bridge as I cross it returning from the South Side back to Oakland--it makes for a picturesque and relaxing conclusion to my ride.
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