The Parkway May Reopen Sooner Than Expected

RENDERING COURTESY OF PENNDOT

The old Commercial Street Bridge has been imploded, the new one has slid into place; officials say everything is going to plan. 

In fact, a spokesperson to PennDOT told Pittsburgh Magazine that the parkway may even open earlier than originally planned.

“The project team has been working 24/7 and are currently tracking ahead of schedule at this time,” says Nicole Haney, press officer for PennDOT. “Though a date has not been determined, we anticipate I-376 reopening ahead of the previously targeted date of Aug. 3.” 

Haney adds that there have not been any major hiccups so far, and that everything is progressing as planned — if not better. 

Officials confirmed at a press conference Wednesday that the around-the-clock work has paid off; PennDOT secretary Mike Carroll says he expects the parkway will be reopened by the middle of next week. 

“We will have completed this project and opened the parkway in less than three weeks,” he says. “Again: A stunning achievement.” 

Carroll calls the project an example of “immaculate construction,” and explains that traditional construction methods would’ve taken the better part of four years. However, the Commercial Street Bridge project utilized “accelerated bridge construction techniques” to laterally slide the new, 22 million-pound bridge 102 feet onto the existing alignment of I-376. This marks one of the largest lateral slide projects performed in Pennsylvania history, officials say.

“I have the opportunity to travel around the state and to neighboring states to see these kinds of projects. None, and I mean none, are as stunning to me as this one,” Carroll says.

He also adds that there was not “a single work injury” during the entire process.

“We’ve made tremendous progress, and I’m really, really proud of this work,” Carroll says. “I look forward to this bridge being opened as soon as possible.” 

It’s a sentiment echoed by Jason Zang, PennDOT’s District 11 executive. At Wednesday’s press conference, Zang praised the “talent and dedication” of the workers who made the project possible. 

He explains that construction crews have turned their focus away from under the bridge and are focused now on the new surface, pouring concrete and protective materials to keep it in good shape for decades to come. 

As the last step, workers will finish the concrete-bearing pedestals, pave the roadway, restore the surrounding green space and plant over 5,000 trees, according to officials.