Pittsburgh's Calera Street Bridge to be replaced, California Avenue Bridge to undergo repairs

Pittsburgh’s Calera Street Bridge is set to be replaced, and the city’s California Avenue Bridge is expected to see a major rehabilitation.

Maria Montaño, a spokeswoman for Mayor Ed Gainey, said work on both projects is expected to start in 2026.

The Calera Street Bridge in Hays was rated in poor condition in a comprehensive bridge report released in December.

PennDOT records indicate the span’s superstructure is in “serious condition.”

The bridge was built in 1931 and has a 12-ton weight restriction, according to PennDOT.

Montaño said work to replace the bridge should take about a year to complete, she said.

Design work and construction is expected to cost about $5.5 million, Montaño said.

The California Avenue Bridge rehab project will include steel repairs, concrete repairs, repainting, a new concrete deck and new sidewalks, barriers and railings, Montaño said.

She estimated that design work and construction will cost about $26 million. Work is expected to take about two years to complete, she said.

“It’s no secret the bridge looks pretty bad,” said City Councilman Bobby Wilson, D-North Side, who represents the area where the bridge is located. “You can visibly see rust everywhere.”

The bridge was rated in fair condition in both the city’s comprehensive bridge report and PennDOT records. It has no posted weight restriction.