Fortunately, the $25 million grant will not take funds from other regional projects that will be funded by the bill. 

The bridge collapsed on January 28th, 2022 as a Port Authority of Allegheny County bus and four passenger vehicles were crossing and a fifth was exiting, resulting in 10 non life-threatening injuries. The 447-foot bridge fell 100 feet.

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) will be in charge of design and construction of a new bridge following a reimbursement grant agreement made by the City of Pittsburgh and Governor Tom Wolf’s administration. PennDOT will also take care of “contract development, letting and award, design development activities, right-of-way acquisition, utility relocation” and more, Construction Specifier reports.

“The city is thankful for the financial and engineering support that PennDOT will be able to provide as a result of this funding announcement,” Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey said. “My administration will continue to work with our state and federal partners to repair the bridge in a safe and expeditious manner. Additionally, I look forward to working with the governor and PennDOT to maximize local, small, and Minority, Women, and Disadvantaged Owned Business participation in this project.” 

The National Safety Board will be assisted in the investigation of the bridge collapse by The Federal Highway Administration, The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, The City of Pittsburgh, and The Port Authority of Allegheny County.