PITTSBURGH (100.1 FM and AM 1020 KDKA) Mayor Ed Gainey addressed the City of Pittsburgh on Thursday regarding updates to investments in infrastructure.
In doing so, Mayor Gainey announced the creation of a comprehensive Bridge Asset Management Program.
The group will work each day in assuring the safety and structure of each bridge across the area and make sure funds are being properly allocated to maintain them.
An extra level or precaution has been placed on Pittsburgh’s infrastructure following the collapse of the Fern Hollow Bridge in late January.
“For far too long we’ve allowed our bridges to be underfunded,” Mayor Gainey said during his announcement.
The group will also have a hand in reviewing, reporting, and creating plans for bridge repairs as needed.
“Our city’s infrastructure connects working families to jobs, education, opportunities and a future,” said Mayor Gainey. “Making much-needed investments into our city’s infrastructure ensures that we are strengthening our communities, creating good-paying jobs, and making our economy more sustainable, resilient, and just.”
The announcement of the new office comes ahead of National Infrastructure Week which runs from May 16th to May 20th.
Mayor Gainey also gave an update regarding the Swindell Bridge.
He stated that the bridge will be inspected every six months and a new inspection is set to take place this month.