PITTSBURGH, PA (April 23, 2021) The City of Pittsburgh Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) has announced the reopening of the Lowrie Street Bridge over Rialto Street in Troy Hill. Mayor William Peduto will be joining the Troy Hill community and DOMI project team on Saturday to cut the ribbon on this $1.14 million project.
This project marks the second replacement of the Lowrie Street Bridge as the original stone abutments laid in 1900 were replaced in 1972 by a concrete structure. The bridge was fully closed to traffic in July 2020 to undergo a total rebuild due to its diminished capacity and the deterioration of its concrete beams.
The bridge superstructure was demolished and replaced between 4 residential homes and suspended over one of the steepest streets in the city. The project replaced the bridge beams, deck, sidewalks, railings and added safety enhancements for pedestrians and vehicles. While the new design has a similar look to the previous bridge, the team employed enhanced engineering technologies to ensure the bridge will serve the Troy Hill community for another 75+ years.
"Replacing the Lowrie Street Bridge is an essential infrastructure investment in Troy Hill,” said City Councilman Bobby Wilson. “After a $1.14 million construction project, I am thrilled the bridge will again be fully open to the public. I am very appreciative of the hard work of the Department of Mobility & Infrastructure, Mayor Peduto’s Office and all the government partners that helped us reopen this bridge."
"Troy Hill is excited to have Lowrie Street and Rialto Street open again after a substantial rebuild of the Lowrie Street Bridge,” said Abby Vanim, President of the Troy Hill Citizens community group. “As two of the main arteries in our neighborhood, Lowrie and Rialto provide essential access to our business district and for our neighbors and friends. Troy Hill Citizens appreciates our neighbors’ patience and understanding during this project. Thank you to the City and the project contractors, as they dealt with weather delays and issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic to get this completed. We look forward to celebrating the re-opening!”
The construction team was led by A. Merante Contracting, with SAI Consulting Engineers overseeing construction and conducting daily inspections. The team also coordinated with People’s and Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, who have utility lines supported by the bridge.
Troy Hill Citizens will host a reopening community celebration with neighbors and city officials as they cut the ribbon on the bridge at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 24.
BEFORE: View of the previous Lowrie Street Bridge from Below on Rialto Street
AFTER: View of the newly constructed bridge from Lowrie Street
