New Kensington-Arnold prepares for work on bridges at Valley High School

New Kensington-Arnold School District is preparing to repair or replace the four bridges spanning Little Pucketa Creek in front of Valley High School.

The bridges consist of the main entrance bridge, a pair of identical pedestrian bridges and a second vehicle bridge near the football stadium. The district shares that bridge with the Northern Westmoreland Career & Technology Center, which is adjacent to the high school.

Plans are to repair the two vehicle bridges and replace the pedestrian bridges, said Edward Patton, owner of Patton Engineering, which is handling the design work for the school district.

The pedestrian bridges and the bridge by the football stadium are expected to be addressed sometime next year, Patton said. One of the two pedestrian bridges is closed. Patton said the bridge by the stadium needs only minor repairs.

Work on the main entrance bridge could start this fall.

Because of its condition, a 2-ton weight limit has been placed on the main entrance bridge. It dates to the original construction of the high school in the 1950s; Patton said it has been repaired several times since then, most recently in the early 1980s.

Patton said the bridge’s substructure is in good shape, and an analysis determined it does not need to be replaced.

Work on the bridge would include replacing its main supports and metal deck, along with repairs to the concrete sidewalk, Patton said.

The district received only one bid for the main entrance bridge. The $358,000 proposal from Caliber Contracting Services of Edgewood was opened at the administration center Wednesday.

The school board could vote to award the contract when it meets Oct. 5.

The bid was discussed during a meeting of the board’s finance committee Wednesday evening, but nothing specific was decided, board President Tim Beckes said.

“Essentially, the board members present requested a summary of the capital budget and the current projects currently underway to determine the best course of action,” he said. “That information is to be provided by the business manager.”