Fort Pitt Tunnel Reopens Quicker Than Expected After Fire
Investigators Trying To Figure Out Cause Of Blaze
Posted: 2:52 p.m. EDT May 17, 2003Updated: 12:56 p.m. EDT May 19, 2003
PITTSBURGH -- The Fort Pitt Tunnel reopened around 9:00 Sunday morning. Officials feared it would be completely closed during the Monday morning commute. The tunnel had been closed since Friday night after a construction fire.
Investigators are still trying to figure out how the fire started. It destroyed or damaged several construction vehicles in the inbound lanes of the tunnel. Those inbound lanes have been closed since March for the final phase of an $84 million project.
While the fire didn't damage the side of the tunnel that is still open, it did damage the tunnel's electrical system. That means those lanes had to be closed too because they don't have lights, ventilation or sensors that detect trucks too tall to enter the tunnels.
PennDot has not said how much the fire will delay the rehabilitation project, if at all.
Fort Pitt Tunnel Fire Images
For detailed maps of the alternate routes, click here.
Investigators are still trying to figure out how the fire started. It destroyed or damaged several construction vehicles in the inbound lanes of the tunnel. Those inbound lanes have been closed since March for the final phase of an $84 million project.
While the fire didn't damage the side of the tunnel that is still open, it did damage the tunnel's electrical system. That means those lanes had to be closed too because they don't have lights, ventilation or sensors that detect trucks too tall to enter the tunnels.
PennDot has not said how much the fire will delay the rehabilitation project, if at all.
Fort Pitt Tunnel Fire Images
For detailed maps of the alternate routes, click here.
Previous Stories:
- May 9, 2003: Fort Pitt Bridge, Tunnel Construction Under Way
- April 28, 2003: Fort Pitt Tunnels: Big Change In Traffic Patterns
- March 22, 2003: Traffic Headaches Begin, Fort Pitt Detours In Place
- March 13, 2003: PennDOT Gives Last Minute Advice On Fort Pitt Project
- March 12, 2003: PennDOT Holds Informational Meeting On Fort Pitt Project
- February 24, 2003: Fort Pitt Tunnel Closing Nights For Prep Work
- February 20, 2003: Meeting Held About Fort Pitt Bridge Project
- February 2, 2003: PennDOT Announces Schedule For Fort Pitt Bridge And Tunnel Work
Copyright 2003 by Wpxi.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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