Pittsburgh officials on Wednesday said they are closing the east sidewalk on the South Negley Avenue bridge in Shadyside.
The bridge, which spans the East Busway and Norfolk Southern railroad tracks, had sparked concerns about its safety earlier this year, as many residents grew alarmed about the state of the city’s infrastructure in the wake of the Fern Hollow Bridge collapse in Frick Park in January.
The Department of Mobility and Infrastructure said they would temporarily close the east sidewalk to “accommodate necessary repairs” following recommendations from a routine bridge inspection conducted earlier this month. The roadway and the sidewalk on the opposite side of the road are slated to remain open.
Residents had raised worries in the spring about the bridge after many pointed out wooden posts that appeared to be supporting the structure. Those posts don’t support the full weight of the bridge or the vehicles driving across it, Mayor Ed Gainey said in March. They were installed in 2016 to reinforce the sidewalks, the mayor said.
Officials said DOMI is working with relevant stakeholders to address the necessary maintenance items at the bridge. The east sidewalk will remain closed while a contractor is engaged to complete the needed work.
“There is not an immediate structural concern for the bridge, but we’re operating out of an abundance of caution,” Director of Mobility and Infrastructure Kim Lucas said.
The 106-foot-long bridge, which is owned by the city, is rated in poor condition. The steel bridge was built in 1924.
City officials encouraged pedestrians traveling on the east side of South Negley Avenue to cross at either Ellsworth Avenue or the intersection north of the bridge behind the Market District Supermarket.
The closure is slated to begin Wednesday. Officials did not offer a timetable for how long the closure could last.
Related:
• Pittsburgh’s poorly rated South Negley Avenue Bridge slated for repairs
• Shadyside’s poorly rated South Negley Avenue Bridge in ‘sufficient operating condition,’ mayor says
• Mayor Gainey launches bridge repair and infrastructure funding program
