METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

New Information Released on Pittsburgh Bridge Collapse Investigation

The 447-foot-long bridge experienced a structural failure and fell approximately 100 feet into the park below.

New Information Released on Pittsburgh Bridge Collapse Investigation

NTSB investigators at the site of the collapsed bridge in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Photo: James Anderson/NTSB

1 min to read


The National Transportation Safety Board published an investigative update​ and released new factual information via the public docket for the Jan. 28, 2022, Fern Hollow bridge collapse in Pittsburgh.

The 447-foot-long bridge experienced a structural failure and fell approximately 100 feet into the park below. Six vehicles were on or near the bridge when it collapsed, according to the NTSB.

Ad Loading...

As part of the investigative update, the NTSB noted that engineers from its materials laboratory have analyzed portions of the bridge’s legs with 3D technology and metallurgical testing. Investigators have also interviewed personnel involved in the maintenance and oversight of the bridge and examined other bridges within Pennsylvania’s inventory having similar construction features.

The docket made public on the NTSB’s website contains 2,137 pages of factual information covering various aspects of the investigation and includes preliminary reports, documents pertaining to the materials and construction specifications of the bridge, maintenance records, and manuals addressing bridge management and inspections within the state of Pennsylvania. 

The docket contains only factual information collected by NTSB investigators; no conclusions about the probable cause of the collapse should be drawn from the information within the docket. Analysis, findings, recommendations, and probable cause determinations related to the collapse will be issued by the NTSB in a final report at a later date.

More Security and Safety

Security and Safetyby StaffJune 16, 2026

DOT: Brightline Corridor Incidents Fall 30% Following Federal Safety Upgrades

Safety improvements funded through a $25 million federal investment are credited with reducing trespassing and train-vehicle collisions along the Brightline Florida corridor.

Read More →
LA Metro rail line.

LA Metro Sworn Officer Recruitment Draws 950 Applications on First Day

The California agency moves safety into its next phase, recruiting officers to help shape a transit-focused, community-centered force.

Read More →
FTA Family-Friendly dashboard
Security and Safetyby StaffJune 8, 2026

FTA Plans Family-Friendly Transit Scorecard for Agencies Nationwide

The family-friendly transit dashboard is part of a broader effort by the FTA and U.S. Department of Transportation to increase transparency, accountability, and service quality across the nation's public transportation systems, said officials.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Houston METRO substation
Security and Safetyby StaffJune 5, 2026

New Public Safety Hub Opens in Downtown Houston

The substation strengthens METRO Police presence in an area where transit activity, pedestrian movement, and visitor flow converge.

Read More →
SamTrans planning for ballot measure
Managementby StaffJune 4, 2026

SamTrans Sets Priorities for Potential Connect Bay Area Revenue

The board-approved framework allocates future funding to maintaining service, rider improvements, equity initiatives, and infrastructure repairs.

Read More →
Riders in MARTA bus station
Security and Safetyby StaffJune 4, 2026

Federal Transit Officials Launch MARTA Safety Probe

FTA has given MARTA 15 days to provide records on crime prevention, fare evasion enforcement, and security funding as part of a broader safety investigation.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Security and Safetyby StaffJune 1, 2026

Strategic Safety Measures at CATS Lead to Drop in Transit Crime

Under the leadership of the CATS Chief Safety and Security Officer, the organization has marked a pivotal transformation.

Read More →
Managementby StaffJune 1, 2026

Chicago's NITA Act Moves Into Next Phase as Service Improvements Begin

Rider-focused improvements will begin rolling out across the system immediately as CTA, Metra, and Pace increase service this summer in the six-county region.

Read More →
Image of two Los Angeles Metro employees speaking to a person in a wheelchair. Text reads: "Transit Safety Through Care-Based Strategies."
Security and Safetyby Elora HaynesJune 1, 2026

How Transit Agencies Are Evolving Enforcement-Only Models With Care-Based Safety Strategies

Transit agencies are redefining safety with care-based response models. See how leaders are improving trust and operations.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
frontrunner bus image
SponsoredJune 1, 2026

Low-Floor vs. High-Floor Cutaway vs. Modified Van: How 3 Accessible Minibus Designs Compare

As transit demands evolve, so should your fleet. Download the whitepaper to see how the Low-Floor Frontrunner Minibus compares to traditional options.

Read More →