After a winter respite, work will resume at 7 a.m. Tuesday on the New Kensington Bridge, which crosses the Allegheny River to connect East Deer in Allegheny County with New Kensington in Westmoreland County.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation said the bridge will have single-lane alternating traffic from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily with traffic stoppages of 10 minutes or less as needed. At all other times, 10-foot-wide lanes in both directions will be open.
The restrictions are expected to last through late 2024.
The restrictions will allow Swank Construction Co. to resume work on a $24.6 million preservation project for the structure, also known as the C.L. Schmitt Bridge. Work will include structure painting, fence replacement and sidewalk repair. At some point this year, the bridge will be completely closed for six weeks while crews spread a latex overlay on the new surface to extend its life.
The two-year project should be finished by the end of the year.
Ed covers transportation at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, but he's currently on strike. Email him at eblazina@unionprogress.com.