The implosion of the Dooker’s Hollow Bridge in North Braddock and East Pittsburgh was delayed from Friday until Saturday, according to the Allegheny County Department of Public Works.
It was originally scheduled for Thursday, then delayed till Friday. The implosion is now slated for 2 p.m. Saturday, though the date and time is contingent on weather and other factors that could further slow placement of the explosives.
The 80-year old Dooker’s Hollow Bridge, which closed in October, will be removed and replaced with a new one. The bridge carries Bell Avenue in North Braddock and Center Street in East Pittsburgh over O’Connell Boulevard.
Placing the explosives for the bridge’s implosion is technical work done using a large crane, Public Works officials said. Recent snow and windy conditions slowed the work.
“Safety is our top priority, so Public Works is giving Allison Park Contractors, Inc. and Demtech, LLC the time they need to ensure the bridge is imploded without any issues,” Public Works spokesman Brent Wasko said in a statement.
There will be 96 explosives on the bridge. Explosives won’t be live until blasting caps are placed on the day of the implosion. The explosives are guarded 24 hours a day, officials said.
The implosion is part of an ongoing $9.95 million bridge project that began in October 2020.
