Commercial Street Bridge project in Pittsburgh could reopen Parkway East early
PITTSBURGH —
The Commercial Street Bridge project in Pittsburgh is progressing ahead of schedule, with the Parkway East potentially reopening earlier than its mid-next-week target if work continues as planned.
Contractors stand to earn a $2 million bonus if the Parkway East reopens before 12:01 a.m. next Tuesday.
Secretary of Transportation praises project
Pennsylvania Secretary of Transportation Mike Carroll visited the site and praised the project, calling the demolition and bridge slide “the most impressive bridge project” he has ever seen and describing the construction as “immaculate.”
“So throughout the life of the project from its inception to where we are today, we have about a dozen inspectors on the project ensuring that the bridge is being constructed properly. Obviously during the move we had significant survey operations to make sure it was in its original configuration once we moved,” John Myler, PennDOT Senior Assistant Construction Manager, said.
Inspectors oversee construction and final steps
A final inspection of the bridge will occur within 60 days after the reopening. Current work includes tying the new bridge to the existing Parkway.
PennDOT is cautious about setting an exact reopening date, citing remaining work and weather conditions as factors. However, the Parkway is expected to be fully reopened one week from now, ahead of schedule.
