PITTSBURGH — Nearly a year after a massive sinkhole swallowed a Port Authority of Allegheny County bus in downtown Pittsburgh, the street is back open.
>>PHOTOS: Port Authority bus swallowed by massive sinkhole downtown
The barricades came down and 10th Street opened around 11 a.m. Thursday.
Crews had been working to make repairs after the 60 x 35 x 18-foot sinkhole opened up on Oct. 28, 2019. There were several delays because of the complex underground systems, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This has been an incredibly challenging year for our city, nation and planet, and the 10th Street sinkhole represented everything 2020 has been about — danger, disruption and frustration, but ultimately solutions, due to a lot of hard work by people working together. I can’t thank our partners, and especially our Downtown residents and businesses, enough for their patience and understanding,” Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto said in a statement.
In addition to steam, water and sewage lines, crews had to work around communications infrastructure below the street’s surface.
>>PREVIOUS STORY: Why did the sinkhole happen in downtown Pittsburgh? Could it happen again?
A crane was brought in after the accident to carefully remove the bus from the giant hole.
Luckily, the bus driver and passengers were safe.
Images of the PAT bus sitting in the sinkhole became a viral sensation. Everything from memes and ornaments to T-shirts and Halloween costumes were created.
>>STORY: Bus in the sinkhole scene now a holiday ornament, cupcakes and more
Officials said the cost of repairs was split between the city of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority. Dan Gilman, the mayor’s chief of staff, told Channel 11 the city spent about $400,000 on repairs -- and PWSA spent over $1 million.
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