The collapse of the Fern Hollow Bridge in January 2022 brought a national spotlight to the state of the country’s ailing infrastructure. Coincidentally, President Joe Biden was in Pittsburgh at the time of the collapse to promote the recently passed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Comments from a recently retired city official shed light on the dangerous state of Pittsburgh’s bridges.

Pittsburgh, known as the “City of Bridges,” has more bridges than any other city in the world. However, many of these bridges are aging and in dire need of repair or replacement. The collapse of the Fern Hollow Bridge served as a wake-up call, highlighting the urgency of addressing the city’s deteriorating infrastructure.

According to the retired city official, who worked for the Department of Transportation for over three decades, Pittsburgh’s bridges are still dangerous because they’re not being properly maintained. He revealed that there is a lack of funding and resources allocated to bridge inspections and repairs. This neglect has resulted in a backlog of maintenance projects and a growing number of structurally deficient bridges.

One of the main issues is the lack of transparency in bridge inspection data. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has been criticized for hiding bridge inspection reports from the public. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for residents to assess the safety of the bridges they use every day.

The retired city official emphasized the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the safety of bridges. He explained that bridges are constantly exposed to harsh weather conditions, heavy traffic, and other factors that can contribute to their deterioration. Without proper maintenance, small issues can escalate into major structural problems, putting lives at risk.

In response to the Fern Hollow Bridge collapse and growing concerns about bridge safety, President Biden’s administration passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This law includes $12.5 billion in grants specifically allocated for bridge repairs and replacements across the country. The goal is to address the critical infrastructure needs and improve the safety of bridges nationwide.

The retired city official expressed hope that the new infrastructure law would provide much-needed funding for Pittsburgh’s bridges. He emphasized the importance of investing in infrastructure to ensure the safety and economic prosperity of the city. He also called for increased transparency in bridge inspection data, allowing residents to have access to information about the condition of the bridges they rely on.

In addition to the funding provided by the infrastructure law, there are ongoing efforts at the state and local levels to address Pittsburgh’s bridge issues. PennDOT has launched a Bridge Safety Initiative, aiming to accelerate bridge repairs and replacements. The initiative includes a comprehensive inspection program, increased funding for bridge maintenance, and improved communication with the public.

The city of Pittsburgh has also taken steps to address bridge safety. They have implemented a Bridge Inspection and Maintenance Program, which focuses on regular inspections, timely repairs, and proactive maintenance. The program aims to prioritize the most critical bridges and allocate resources accordingly.

While progress is being made, there is still a long way to go in ensuring the safety of Pittsburgh’s bridges. The collapse of the Fern Hollow Bridge serves as a reminder of the urgent need for investment in infrastructure and transparent bridge inspection practices.

In conclusion, Pittsburgh’s bridges are still dangerous due to a lack of maintenance and transparency in bridge inspection data. The collapse of the Fern Hollow Bridge highlighted the urgent need for investment in infrastructure and prompted the passing of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. With increased funding and ongoing initiatives, there is hope for improving the safety of Pittsburgh’s bridges and ensuring the well-being of its residents. Transparency in bridge inspection data is crucial for residents to have confidence in the safety of the bridges they use every day.