PITTSBURGH -- The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation said the new bridge that carries Route 60 (South Main Street) over Saw Mill Run in the West End area of Pittsburgh reopened Monday afternoon.

PennDOT held a ceremony to commemorate the opening.

The bridge has been closed to through traffic since April 2008.

PennDOT said about 8,580 vehicles use the bridge on an average day.

The construction is part of a $52.6 million project which is comprised of four main roadways: Saw Mill Run Boulevard (State Route 19 and State Route 51), West Carson Street (State Route 837), South Main Street (State Route 60) and Steuben Street.

The project included the realignment and reconstruction of the West End Circle, replacement of two bridges, widening of Route 19, lengthening acceleration and deceleration lanes, construction of three retaining walls and new drainage, guide rail, landscaping, highway lighting, traffic signals, signing, pavement markings, ITS components and other improvements.

Route 19 (Saw Mill Run Boulevard) will be realigned with the West End Bridge using the existing Norfolk Southern Railroad overpass, which was advanced as a separate project so the bridge could be used as an alternative route during the rehabilitation of the Fort Pitt Bridge and Tunnel several years ago.

Construction will conclude in summer 2010.