Nearly 5 years after they received a $20 million state grant, Norfolk Southern Rail Company has won approval to modify four Pittsburgh bridges.
For years, Norfolk Southern has wanted to run more double stacked train cars through the city, but neighborhood groups on the North Side had opposed the double-stacked train cars because of safety, air pollution and noise pollution.
A mediator ruled in favor of the rail company.
Now, Norfolk Southern plans to raise three bridges to allow a clearance of at least 22 feet to let the double stacked cars pass through.
Those bridges are West North Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue on the North Side and South Negley Avenue in Shadyside.
Norfolk Southern will lower the track bed under the Columbus Avenue bridge on the North Side by about 18 inches and replace the Merchant Street Bridge at its current level.
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