Pittsburgh looks to create infrastructure commission in wake of Fern Hollow Bridge collapse

Pittsburgh City Councilman Corey O’Connor introduced legislation Tuesday to create an infrastructure commission that he hopes would prevent an event like Friday’s Fern Hollow Bridge collapse from happening again.

O’Connor’s proposals would create a commission on infrastructure asset reporting and investment and require regular reports on the city’s infrastructure. They come four days after 10 people were injured when the bridge collapsed in O’Connor’s council district.

“These bills make the process of maintaining and improving our infrastructure more transparent,” O’Connor said. “To make sure that Pittsburghers get to where they need to go safely and securely, this legislation will also bring experts to the table to provide guidance on our immediate infrastructure needs and prioritizing long-term strategic investment.”

O’Connor said the legislation was introduced in partnership with Mayor Ed Gainey’s office.

The proposed commission on infrastructure asset reporting and investment would make recommendations on short- and long-term investments in city-maintained infrastructure such as bridges and tunnels, Gainey’s office said.

It would be comprised of 15 members, including city officials, organized labor, construction industry professionals and residents with relevant experience and credentials.

“This legislation will allow us to implement best practices for long-term maintenance of our critical assets and provide greater transparency to the public,” Gainey said.

The second measure would require regular reports on major city-maintained infrastructure. The Department of Mobility and Infrastructure would be tasked with developing the reports, which would be publicly accessible through a website created in collaboration with the Department of Innovation and Performance.

Both pieces of legislation are expected to be considered for a preliminary vote next week, with a final vote as early as the following week.

Council President Theresa Kail-Smith on Tuesday also introduced a measure to extend the city’s declaration of disaster emergency in response to the bridge collapse by up to 90 days. That extends the emergency declaration — initially issued by Gainey on Sunday — until May 2.

She said the emergency measure, approved Tuesday, would allow local officials to clear red tape to better respond to the situation. It also allows the mayor to enter into intergovernmental agreements with the state and its agencies for up to a year.

O’Connor said it also would pave the way for PennDOT to pay for the bridge’s reconstruction, which he said he has been told the state agency will do.