Pittsburgh making ready for Clemente Bridge rehab undertaking; officers need to hear from you – WPXI

By jimadmin Last updated Jul 6, 2021

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh’s Roberto Clemente Bridge is next in line for some major rehabilitation work.

The Department of Public Works, in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, will pump $30 million into the project.

Refurbishing the bridge will take upward to 19 months and close it for nearly two Pittsburgh Pirates seasons. During that time, crews plan to repair steel, install new steps, replace sidewalks and widen bike lanes.

Work isn’t set to start until the winter of 2022, but Allegheny County is requesting public feedback online starting Wednesday (CLICK HERE).

“The Roberto Clemente Bridge is an important community asset, and we very much look forward to receiving public input about the bridge and rehabilitation project. We’re excited about this project, as it will not only improve the appearance of the bridge. It will preserve it for future generations to use and enjoy,” Public Works Director Stephen Shanley said in a statement.

The closure will include no foot traffic or biking on the bridge. Also, the hundreds of treasured love locks will be removed from the fencing.

“Regarding the locks, we will be cleaning and painting the panels and railing, so the locks will be removed. They likely will be individually removed with bolt cutters or by burning them off,” a statement from Allegheny County said.

As for the locks—“we will be cleaning and painting the panels and railing, so the locks will be removed. They likely will be individually removed with bolt cutters or by burning them off.” @WPXI pic.twitter.com/tUxwwnxeUC

— Mike Holden (@WPXIMikeHolden) July 6, 2021

The project is expected to be completed by fall 2023.

“I use this bridge to go to work, but, I mean, if it means they need to close it down and do some construction to make it better and safer for everybody else, then that’s what they gotta do,” Ariana Sanders, of Pittsburgh, said.