Pittsburghers vote to keep three 'Sister Bridges' Aztec Gold

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburghers want to keep the colors of the Roberto Clemente, Andy Warhol and Rachel Carson bridges just the way they are.

Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto announced Friday morning that the bridges would remain “Aztec Gold” when they are painted during the rehabilitation of the bridges over the next few years.

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"This was a good civic exercise. It showed when people think of Pittsburgh they think of the Sister Bridges, and when they think of the Sister Bridges they think of Aztec gold. One of the special things about Pittsburgh is there are ways in which we are identified that are iconic. These colors have become part of the fabric and the tradition of our city," Peduto said.

Out of the 12,441 who voted, 84.62 percent voted to keep the bridges their current color.

Alternatives were painting the Warhol Bridge silver-gray and the Carson Bridge green (6.73 percent) or painting all a different color, but keeping them the same (less than 1 percent). Over 8 percent of those who voted wanted more options.

"The results of our poll weren't surprising, but we are glad to see so many people who participated in the dialogue and discussion on this issue," Fitzgerald said.

The bridges will undergo total deck replacement, structural steel repairs, substructure repairs, point masonry joints in piers, deck joint replacement, placement of scour protection around the piers, cleaning flushing and repair of downspouts and scuppers, repair or replacement of utility conduits and supports and replacement of existing lighting fixtures, in addition to a total repainting of the superstructures.

Renovations on three bridges are expected to be complete in fall 2021, beginning with the Andy Warhol Bridge next spring.