Traffic got a lot tighter on the Meadow Street Bridge on Monday, after city crews slid both travel lanes onto one side of the span in response to a newly posted load limit on the other side. The arch bridge, which links Highland Park and Larimer over Negley Run Boulevard, is still open with two traffic lanes and the sidewalk, but all vehicles are now funneled onto a single side to ease stress on the restricted portion. Jersey barriers went up Monday to lock in the temporary setup while engineers study the structure, and officials say the arrangement will likely stay in place for several months as a repair plan is developed.
According to WPXI, the city's Bridge Dashboard shows nearly 3,500 vehicles cross the span every day, and the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure is already working on a repair plan. Crews installed the jersey barriers on Monday to formalize the new lane configuration while keeping two-way traffic and pedestrian access in place. The temporary pattern is designed to keep heavier loads off the affected side while engineers complete their analysis.
Inspection Changes Trace Back To Fern Hollow
City officials say the load posting was caught because Pittsburgh expanded its inspection analysis and launched a Bridge Asset Management Program after the 2022 Fern Hollow Bridge collapse, according to the City of Pittsburgh. The program ramps up on-site inspections and engineering review so problems can be flagged earlier and repair work can be prioritized before things reach a crisis point.
Where The Bridge Fits In Long-Term Plans
The Meadow Street span is already on the region's long-term to-do list as a rehabilitation candidate. The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission's draft plan lists "Meadow St over Negley Run Boulevard" with an estimated project cost of $13,792,000, according to the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission. That planning line suggests the bridge will need more than a quick patch, and the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure expects the temporary lane pattern to remain in place for several months while engineers develop a full repair scope, WPXI reports.
What Drivers Should Expect
Drivers should plan for narrowed lanes, slower peak-hour travel, and jersey barriers at the approaches on either side of the bridge. Residents who have safety concerns can submit requests through 3-1-1 and can check the city's Bridge Dashboard and DOMI project map for updates and timelines, the City of Pittsburgh explains.
