Here are some of the latest news items from this morning, Tuesday, Aug. 15:

West Nile virus detected in Pittsburgh mosquitos

The Allegheny County Health Department will spray a mosquito pesticide in several Pittsburgh areas and neighboring municipalities where mosquitos have tested positive for West Nile Virus.

Mosquito samples collected in Pittsburgh’s Arlington, Chartiers, South Side Slopes and Windgap neighborhoods have tested positive for West Nile Virus, as have mosquitos in Crafton, Ingram and Mt. Oliver, according to health officials.

The county health department will treat those communities with a pesticide called Zenivex E20, which health officials said is not harmful to people or pets.

Crews will use a truck-mounted ultra low volume sprayer Wednesday from 8-11 p.m. to lower the local mosquito population and lower the risk of human transmission of the virus. If it rains Wednesday, the spraying will be moved to Thursday at the same time.

Health officials urge residents to protect themselves from mosquitos by removing standing water in their yards, ensuring open windows and doors have screens and using insect repellent on exposed skin, particularly at dawn and dusk when mosquitos are most active.

People can file complaints online regarding properties with stagnant water.

County officials said anyone who believes they have West Nile virus should consult a health care provider.

There have been no reported human cases of the virus in Allegheny County since last year, health officials said.

Work set to start on Homestead Grays Bridge

There will be periodic lane and sidewalk closures on the Homestead Grays Bridge, which spans Pittsburgh and Homestead, starting at 9 a.m. Aug. 28.

County officials said lane restrictions will occur from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and 9 p.m.-6 a.m. on weekdays. Closures are expected to end in September, according to the county’s Department of Public Works.

Crews will be working on the bridge’s expansion dams and deck repairs.

Traffic will be maintained in both directions as work is being done, but drivers may experience traffic delays and on and near the bridge. Officials urged people to use caution in the area.

The $949,663 project is being completed by Plum-based Pugliano Construction Co.

Allegheny County gets state funding for traffic light improvements

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s Green Light — Go program will provide millions of dollars in state funding for more than 20 projects throughout Allegheny County that aim to improve traffic signals.

“Thanks to these grants, drivers and pedestrians are now safer, and Pennsylvanians can get where they need to go quicker and more efficiently,” Gov. Josh Shapiro said in a statement.

Pittsburgh earned a $430,000 grant for new traffic signal controllers throughout the city, as well as a $945,500 grant for updated signal equipment at Penn and Highland Avenues; South Aiken and Ellsworth avenues; and Bayard and Neville streets.

McCandless received over $1.6 million to update signal equipment at Peebles Road and Duncan Avenue; Perry Highway and North Drive; Peebles Road and Remington Drive; Thompson Run and Red Coach roads; Peebles Road and McIntyre Square; and Ingomar Road and Blazier Drive.

Other local municipalities set to benefit from the grants include Bethel Park, Elizabeth, Fox Chapel, Ingram, Millvale, Monroeville, Mt. Lebanon, Neville, North Fayette, Pitcairn, Plum, South Fayette and Wilkinsburg.

“Updating traffic signals at busy intersections that see pedestrian, bike and vehicle traffic is incredibly important to keeping us all safe,” State Sen. Lindsey Williams said in a statement announcing more than $3 million in grants for her district.

The Green Light — Go program was established in 2013. Municipalities who receive grant funding provide a minimum 20% match for award funds.

Pittsburgh police announce latest South Side citation, arrest numbers

Pittsburgh police and other law enforcement partners are continuing to conduct a weekly South Side entertainment district patrol, which aims to improve safety in the area with added patrols Thursdays through Sundays.

From Aug. 10-14, police conducted 11 traffic stops in the area and issued 19 traffic citations and seven parking citations. They also towed seven vehicles.

Police said there were four arrests in the area and 11 non-traffic citations.

This comes as some residents and stakeholders have voiced concerns about violence in South Side’s East Carson Street entertainment district. Others have said the narrative that South Side is dangerous harms local businesses and worsens existing issues in the neighborhood.

The additional patrols in the area began last month.

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