The new bridge at Buttermilk Falls in New Florence was recently recognized with high honors from the Associated Builders and Contractors of Western Pennsylvania.
At their conference in Pittsburgh last week, the new bridge and access stairs at Buttermilk Falls was honored with the Eagle Award, which is considered the highest award for excellence from the association. Thomas R. Harley Architects designed the bridge that allows visitors to cross Hines Run and take a series of steps that will allow them to step behind the waterfall itself. The bridge was named “The Eclipse Bridge” as it was installed prior to the start of the Solar Eclipse on August 21st of last year. The bridge was installed by Vince Building Company out of Greensburg.
The bridge was the idea of Ed Patterson, the director of Indiana County’s Parks and Trails, and it was in response to Buttermilk Falls becoming a popular park destination. Parks and Trails said over 18,000 people visited the falls last year alone. The project was funded through Parks and Trails and the Indiana County Commissioners.
