Fourteen months into a three-year reconstruction of the W.D. Mansfield Memorial Bridge, traffic will be rerouted to the span's completed inbound lanes.
The bridge, which carries traffic over the Monongahela River from Dravosburg to McKeesport and Glassport, has been the subject of a $30.9 million project that includes a complete deck reconstruction, support enhancements and aesthetic improvements.
“This bridge is in dire need of repairs, and it has been for a long time,” state Rep. Bill Kortz, a House transportation committee member, said when construction began. “It's structurally deficient, and it's been rated as such. It links three communities, and it needs repairs.”
With the project approached in halves, Joseph B. Fay Co. crews began working on the lanes heading into McKeesport and Glassport in March 2012. Putting finishing touches on that side this week, the inbound lanes will be ready for traffic next week.
Allegheny County issued a statement announcing the switch for an undetermined, weather-permitting date during the week of June 10.
“Between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., there will be 15-minute intermittent stoppages while traffic is rerouted,” said Michael Dillion, acting construction engineering manager for Allegheny County. “Motorists should slow down, use caution and watch for changing traffic patterns.”
Bryan J. Washowich, chief of McKeesport Police Department, which serves the city and Dravosburg, said it's always important for drivers to take extra precautions in a construction zone.
“As this change in traffic patterns approaches, drivers should be mindful of Allegheny County's advisory,” Washowich said.
Once the change is made, traffic again will be restricted to two lanes — one in each direction on the inbound side — while the outbound lanes are reconstructed.
McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko said it's encouraging to see the project reaching a recognizable halfway point.
“This is real progress that drivers will be able to see,” Cherepko said. “We all know that traffic can be an inconvenience during any construction project, but we hope area residents will remain patient knowing that this project is part of a county, state and nation-wide effort to improve safety conditions on all bridges.”
The work, originally slated for a November 2014 completion, remains close to its target date. Crews are set to complete the span by Dec. 15, 2014.
Glassport council president Terry DiMarco said it will be nice to see the project finished on target.
“A lot of people use that bridge to get to Pittsburgh,” DiMarco said. “In the long run, it's going to be one of the greater things that have happened around here. We're going to have a safe bridge that we really need.”
Jennifer R. Vertullo is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 412-664-9161, ext. 1956, or jvertullo@tribweb.com.
