With the exception of an overnight delay, the demolition of the Commercial Street Bridge on the Parkway East went according to plan Thursday morning.
In fact, the implosion happened so quickly many people missed it.
The sound of the blast lasted less than 5 seconds. As dust from the explosion settled, no damage could be seen to the new bridge just feet away. PennDOT District 11 Executive Jason Zang said it went extremely well and we agree.
As workers moved in to start hauling away the rubble it was announced the next major phase of the project, moving the new bridge into place, is expected to start sometime next week.
We hope the success of the closure, transition to detours and demolition of the old bridge continues.
So far, the 25-day shutdown of one of Pittsburgh’s major arteries has not been bad news. Kudos to PennDOT, the contractors and tens of thousands of drivers and commuters for making it an uneventful first week.
With continued good fortune the Parkway East will reopen on schedule in early August.
