Unmarked abandoned mine discovery puts stability of Painters Run Road in Scott into question
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An unmarked underground mine has put the stability of Painters Run Road in Scott and Upper St. Clair into question.
A portion of the roadway was closed Wednesday after a Northeast Paving construction laborer performing drainage work near the road fell into the mine, Allegheny County Public Works spokesman Brent Wasko said.
“The crew member fell about 5 feet into the ground, but was uninjured,” Wasko said. “The road is not damaged.
“However, upon initial inspection of the mine void, it appears to extend underneath the roadway, possibly making it unstable. To ensure the safety of drivers, we closed the road until we can investigate further and determine if remediation is necessary.”
The portion of the road now closed is just west of the McMillian Road intersection in Upper St. Clair.
The state Department of Environmental Protection’s Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation will evaluate the scene, Wasko said.
Traffic will be detoured using Bower Hill, Kelso and Rob Hollow roads.
“The project was ahead of schedule, but that schedule might be altered if the mine void requires remediation,” Wasko said.
Other work will continue along Painters Run around the closure.
Beginning Friday, paving will occur during the night – 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Monday-Saturday. The work, which is part of an ongoing project, will take place between Bower Hill Road in Scott Township and Cedar Boulevard in Mt. Lebanon.
Paving is expected to last at least two weeks.
Wasko said drivers can expect to experience short stoppages in work zones while paving is taking place. Flaggers will be used for traffic control, and drivers are urged to proceed with caution in the area.
The 1800 block of Painters Run Road was reopened Wednesday after being shutdown since July 20 for repairs to the bridge deck, installation of guardrails and paving.
The overall Painters Run project, which began March 9 and is now expected to end in August, includes structural repairs to Painters Run bridge No. 3, Painters Run bridge No. 9, drainage work, base repairs, milling and paving, pavement markings and guardrail installations.
Wasko said it’s part of a $10.7 million 2019 capital roads contract with Northeast Paving.