Pittsburgh council approves $1.95 million in repairs to 30th Street Bridge

A local construction company will perform $1.95 million in repairs to Pittsburgh’s 30th Street Bridge.

Pittsburgh City Council unanimously approved the measure Tuesday.

The 30th Street Bridge — which connects Herr’s Island and River Avenue — is one of several city bridges in need of repairs and improvements.

City Council in March authorized $2.5 million to repair the span. On Tuesday, they allocated much of that sum to a contract with New Kensington-based Swank Construction Company to perform the work.

Swank Construction Company was also tapped to rebuild the Fern Hollow Bridge, which collapsed in Pittsburgh’s Frick Park in January.

Councilman Bobby Wilson, who represents the neighborhood where the bridge is located, has said the deck is rated in poor condition, and acknowledged that residents have complained about potholes for years.

This comes as City Council on Tuesday approved a measure that allows the city to contract with WSP USA, an international company with expertise in transportation and infrastructure, to manage the Comprehensive Bridge Asset Management Program. Mayor Ed Gainey launched the initiative to ensure the city’s bridges were maintained and funded after the Fern Hollow Bridge collapse.

Council also approved legislation to create a trust fund to pay for the program. The fund will include $2.5 million in American Rescue Plan dollars.