On Wednesday, Pittsburgh residents were reminded of the sad state of city bridges with the emergency shut down of the Herron Avenue Bridge.
Inspected every six months, it was found to be deteriorating faster than expected.
It is a good thing the bridge was closed, but also raises the question: is the city doing everything possible to expedite bridge repair?
The evidence is not reassuring.
In recent years, the Anderson Bridge was closed due to safety concerns. It is expected to reopen by fall of 2026. Next, the Panther Hollow Bridge was closed for similar reasons. It may reopen this year.
There’s no word yet on how long the Herron Avenue Bridge will be closed. One can’t help but remember how quickly the Fern Hollow Bridge was replaced after it collapsed.
Is it unreasonable to ask how the current projects can move at a faster pace?
We say neglect of infrastructure by successive administrations requires the incoming mayor to make bridge rehab a top priority.