Pittsburgh could spend $1.95 million to repair 30th Street Bridge

Pittsburgh City Council is looking to contract a local construction company to repair the 30th Street Bridge for $1.95 million.

The 30th Street Bridge, which connects Herr’s Island and River Avenue, is one of several city bridges in need of repairs and improvements.

On Wednesday, council advanced a measure that would allocate much of that sum to a contract with New Kensington-based Swank Construction Company.

City Council in March authorized $2.5 million to repair the span.

Councilman Bobby Wilson, who represents the neighborhood housing the bridge, has said the deck is rated in poor condition, and residents have complained about potholes for years.

City Council unanimously advanced the measure Wednesday, meaning it will likely be ready for a final vote next week. Councilman Ricky Burgess was not present for the vote.

This comes as council also advanced legislation that would allow the city to contract with WSP USA, an international company with expertise in transportation and infrastructure, to manage the Comprehensive Bridge Asset Management Program. Mayor Ed Gainey launched the initiative to ensure the city’s bridges were maintained and funded.

Council also advanced a measure creating a trust fund to pay for that program. Director of the Office of Management and Budget Jake Pawlak said officials are looking to put $2.5 million in American Rescue Plan money into that fund.

The added focus on the city’s infrastructure needs comes in the wake of the Fern Hollow Bridge collapse in Pittsburgh’s Frick Park in January.

Swank Construction Company was also tapped to rebuild the Fern Hollow Bridge.