Port Authority Provides Cost, Time Estimate for Saw Mill Run Boulevard Bridge Repairs

The Saw Mill Run Boulevard Bridge announced it is expected to remain closed for another 10 to 12 weeks until repairs are complete, according to Port Authority of Allegheny County.

The repairs are expected to cost in excess of $2 million.

Ten to 12 weeks is the length of time and amount of money it’s expected to take for contractors to lift the 600,000-pound bridge back into position; and replace bearings, anchor bolts, and portions of the concrete deck and slab that were removed to stabilize and gain access to the bridge.

The cost and timeline are dependent upon weather conditions and supply availability.

Port Authority closed the 1,052-foot span, which carries buses and light rail vehicles over Saw Mill Run Boulevard in Pittsburgh's Mt. Washington neighborhood, on Feb. 4 after an employee noticed a joint at the end of the bridge had shifted to an abnormal position.

Engineers last week determined the bridge shifted several inches after water penetrated a portion of the concrete support structure and froze when temperatures dropped below freezing. The bridge remains stable and poses no threat to motorists on Saw Mill Run Boulevard below.

The closure of the bridge has impacted service on Port Authority's Red Line, requiring all Red Line rail cars to travel via the Blue Line.

A rail shuttle is operating between Overbrook Junction and Potomac Station, and a bus shuttle is operating between Potomac Station and Station Square. Both are running approximately every 20 to 30 minutes. Neither shuttle is collecting fares.