Plans to rehabilitate Swindell Bridge moving forward

PITTSBURGH — Plans are moving forward to rehabilitate the Swindell Bridge after Pittsburgh City Council took action on Tuesday.

Pittsburgh City Council awarded a nearly $1.2 million contract to Pittsburgh-based HDR Engineering to handle preliminary engineering design work for a full rehab of the Swindell Bridge Project.

This is welcomed news for people who use the bridge every day.

“I think it’s a good thing, we need it,” said Val, who lives on the North Side. “That’s our only escape out of here.”

There was an emergency closure from July to September when when rock, sediment and liquid concrete came crashing down onto vehicles below.

Drivers had to take a detour, adding extra time to get to work.

Channel 11′s Lori Houy took a drive over the bridge, high above the Parkway North, and could see the roadway had been patched up.

However, there is a lot of rust underneath.

“They take care of the top part, not the bottom part,” said Ryan, who uses the bridge.

The bridge has been getting regular inspections.

Officials said they did not find any additional deterioration or damage.

In the meantime, people who live nearby are preparing to avoid the bridge during its rehab.

The mayor’s office told 11 News the project is in the early stages and there is no set timeline for the project.

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