PITTSBURGH — Exposed rebar, more craters than you can count — you can even see Interstate 279 through rusted holes. Residents tell us they hold their breath when they drive over the Swindell Bridge.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Pittsburgh drivers speak out, express concerns over Swindell Bridge
“When you look at it, it’s bad,” Miss Terry tells Channel 11 News. “What has to happen? Another bridge collapsing?”
In Northview Heights, everyone knows Miss Terry. She took us on a walk over the Swindell Bridge, which she says is downright dangerous. It connects Perry South to Northview Heights over I-279.
“I run a day care and I’m passing over it at least 10 times a day with kids in my van,” Miss Terry said. “So you worry about the safety of the kids? I worry about the safety of everyone.”
Our crews saw the rust and where the concrete has deteriorated from water damage.
“There are parts up here where you can literally see the rebar,” Miss Terry added.
There are countless craters — cars swerve around them but you can’t miss them.
“The water can sink down in there — the water goes wherever it wants,” she adds.
We also saw holes along the side bridge where you can literally see hundreds of feet down onto the hillside below. Mayor Ed Gainey says the city’s department of mobility and infrastructure will work with PennDOT to inspect the bridge every six months and if deemed unsafe, the bridge will be closed immediately.
“I’m willing to go out and have a conversation with the community,” Mayor Ed Gainey said. “I don’t ever want to wake up again to what happened with the Fern Hollow Bridge.”
Residents say that’s not sufficient.
“Everyone, six months is not good enough,” Miss Terry said. “That bridge went down. This one could do the same thing.”
The mayor says the current restrictions on the bridge are keeping the weight where it needs to be, but it’s hardly reassurance for Miss Terry.
“Please, I’m begging you. It’s for the whole neighborhood. Come and take a look.”
A new inspection will take place this May and short-term repairs to manage water issues will continue.
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