Pennsylvania Bridge Named for WWII Hero Kupchella

Governor Josh Shapiro signed legislation to rename a Cambria County bridge in honor of the decorated veteran.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Awards

Pennsylvania Bridge Named for WWII Hero Kupchella

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Governor Josh Shapiro has officially signed Act 80 of 2026, which renames the bridge over Blacklick Creek as the Martin J. Kupchella Memorial Bridge. The legislation honors the legacy of the Nanty Glo native and World War II veteran.

Why it matters

The bill ensures the military service and community contributions of Martin J. Kupchella are preserved for future generations in Pennsylvania. He was a highly decorated soldier who earned the Silver Star and six Bronze Star Medals during his service.

Martin J. Kupchella, who lived to age 79, was awarded the Silver Star Medal and six Bronze Star Medals for his World War II service. The act that bears his name is Act 80 of 2026.

The players

Josh Shapiro

He is the current Governor of Pennsylvania who signed the legislation into law.

Martin J. Kupchella

He was a decorated U.S. Army veteran from Nanty Glo who served during World War II.

Frank Burns

He is a Pennsylvania state representative who sponsored the bill to rename the bridge.

The details

The bridge carries Pennsylvania Route 271 over Blacklick Creek in Blacklick Township. State Representative Frank Burns sponsored the successful legislation, which was passed by the state House last month.

Martin J. Kupchella was born in Nanty Glo in April 1920.
Kupchella performed military service in Belgium during December 1944.
Martin J. Kupchella died at age 79 on January 5, 2000.
The Pennsylvania state House approved the bill in September 2026.
Governor Josh Shapiro signed the bill into law on October 22, 2026.

Culture Shift

This legislation follows the pattern set by Act 80 of 2026 to systematically honor local service members and first responders through infrastructure naming. It reflects a growing trend of using public works as permanent markers of community history.

Drivers traveling on Pennsylvania Route 271 in Blacklick Township will soon see new signage designating the structure. The change serves as a public acknowledgment of the military service and life of the local veteran.

The takeaway

Recognizing local veterans through public infrastructure helps maintain historical connections within a community. Residents can support these efforts by engaging with their state representatives regarding local honorees.