The Port Authority of Allegheny County (Port Authority) estimates it will take in excess of $2 million and between 10 to 12 weeks to repair the Saw Mill Run Boulevard Bridge, which has been closed to transit traffic since Feb. 4 when engineers noticed a joint on the deck of the bridge had expanded.
The Port Authority explained the 1,052-foot span’s shift of several inches was the likely result of water penetrating a portion of the concrete support structure and then freezing.
The repairs will be performed by contractors who will lift the 600,000-pound bridge back into position; and replace bearings, anchor bolts and portions of the concrete deck and slab that were removed to stabilize and gain access to the bridge. The Port Authority explains there is no threat to the road traffic below the bridge and the bridge remains stable.
The closure of the bridge has greatly impacted rail and bus service that use the bridge, particularly on Port Authority's Red Line, which is traveling via the Blue Line. However, Port Authority is taking advantage of the closure to accelerate work on its rehabilitation of Fallowfield Station.
