City Cast Pittsburgh logo
Advertisement image
August 16, 2022

No, We Don’t Have The Most Bridges In The World

City Cast Pittsburgh

No, We Don’t Have The Most Bridges In The World

00:00:00
View all City Cast Pittsburgh episodes

For decades now, Pittsburghers have been told we have the most bridges of any city in the world. And it makes sense — they dot our landscape by the hundreds. Butttt it turns out, that long-held point of pride isn’t true. And like, it’s not even close. Historian and author Mark Houser is here to talk about our past prominence and current failures, plus what we can glean from the federal database keeping track of it all. Check out his wonderful book “MultiStories: 55 Antique Skyscrapers & the Business Tycoons Who Built Them,” and listen to his TedX talk here.

Editors note: This episode first aired Feb. 2, 2022, just after the collapse of the Fern Hollow Bridge.

Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh!

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Pittsburgh

Stay connected to City Cast Pittsburgh and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
October 9

Shapiro vs. Garrity, a Mafia-Style Toilet Fundraiser & TBD on New Local Taxes

Pittsburgh and Allegheny County officially announced their 2027 budgets and … wow our finances are not looking good. Host Megan Harris an...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
October 8

Pittsburgh's Indigenous History

Pittsburgh loves to talk about its history — the forts, the steel mills, the immigrants, the neighborhoods. But the story of this place s...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
October 7

What Pgh Restaurant Would Hold Your Wake? Plus, Measles & Mulan's Cookbook

It's official: an Allegheny County resident just tested positive for measles. It's part of Pennsylvania's ongoing (and worsening) measles...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
October 6

The Dystopian AI School PA Rejected

Notes and references from today’s show: A.I.-Driven Education: Founded in Texas and Coming to a School Near You [New York Times] Sta...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
October 5

Maple Miso Lattes, Artisanal Croissants & All-You-Can-Eat KBBQ

Korean BBQ, sushi, "artisanal" croissants, and other delectable delicacies are on offer from newly-opened (as well as expanding and reope...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
October 4

‘Your City Could Be Better’: This Basketball Court Is Saving Residents From Floods — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh

When Pittsburgh looks for inspiration for the future, does it look to the Netherlands? That’s what designers and officials in New York Ci...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
October 2

CMU Miami, Bleak Budgets & Duquesne Light’s Strike

Carnegie Mellon University is opening a new campus in Miami, thanks to a $3 billion gift from hedge fund manager Ken Griffin. It's the la...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
October 1

Your Guide to October 2026 in Pittsburgh

October in Pittsburgh is packed with things to eat, see and do — from campy musicals and a pizza opera to the Pittsburgh Art Book Fair an...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
September 30

Pittsburgh’s Best Fall Frights, From Terrifying To Totally Tame

How scared do you actually want to be this Halloween? Pittsburgh has plenty of options! Whether you want chainsaw-wielding killers chasin...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
September 29

Riverfront Trails Expand, Exercise for Beginners & Tim Burton Takeover

Have you ever been enjoying a bike ride along the riverfront, only for the trail to end abruptly? Good news! The city is planning to clos...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art