Pittsburgh City Council approves $2.5M in repairs for 30th Street Bridge

Pittsburgh City Council on Tuesday approved allocating $2.5 million to repair the 30th Street Bridge, which connects Herr’s Island and River Avenue.

The money is coming from two funds designated for bridge improvements.

The deck of the bridge that people drive on is rated in poor condition, according to Councilman Bobby Wilson. He said residents have complained about potholes on the bridge and pushed for repairs for years. Plans for repairing the bridge have been in the works since 2019, he said.

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2023.

Related:

Fern Hollow Bridge construction expected to begin in April
Mayor Gainey says Pittsburgh will reinspect all city-owned bridges in poor condition

Repairs will include replacing the concrete deck, expansion joints and lighting on the bridge, as well as repairs to sidewalks and barriers. The span will eventually require additional repairs, including upgrades to the substructure.

This comes amid increased attention on the city’s infrastructure needs in the wake of the Fern Hollow Bridge collapse. City Council last week approved three related measures to better identify and fund the city’s infrastructure needs.

City Council on Tuesday also introduced legislation that would create a 1% tax for people attending higher education institutions or going to medical facilities. Money raised from that tax would be put into a trust fund earmarked for infrastructure improvements.