Consent of Independent Auditors


     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration  Statement
(Form S-8) pertaining to the L.B.  Foster Company 1998 Long-Term  Incentive Plan
as Amended and  Restated of our report dated  January 20, 1999,  with respect to
the  consolidated  financial  statements  and  schedule of L.B.  Foster  Company
included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended  December 31, 1998,
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                              /s/ Ernst & Young
                                              ERNST & YOUNG

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
June 22, 1999





Exhibit 23.8