The bridge that carries Jacks Run Road over the Parkway North in Ross Township has been closed after an inspection.
Allegheny County Public Works says inspectors found “corroded steel within the bridge’s only pier, making it impossible for Public Works engineers to determine how much weight the bridge can safely hold.”
It’s unknown how long the bridge will be closed.
Traffic will be detoured using Brighton Road, Lincoln Avenue, North Balph Avenue and Bellevue Road.
Officially called Jacks Run Bridge No. 3, it carries and average of 4,631 vehicles every day. It’s a 202-foot, two-lane bridge that was built in 1986.
The bridge has a condition rating of 4 on a 0-9 scale set by the National Bridge Inspection Standards. 4 is considered “poor”.
“Out of an abundance of caution and to ensure the safety of drivers using the bridge and those driving underneath it on I-279, we made the difficult decision to close the bridge today,” said Stephen Shanley, P.E., Public Works Director. “This is not a decision we took lightly. We know this is a vital link for drivers in Ross, and we will do everything possible to get the bridge reopened as soon as possible. Thank you to those impacted by this closure for your patience and understanding.”