The City of Pittsburgh and the state government have finalised a reimbursement grant agreement that will allow Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to design and construct a new structure at the site of the Fern Hollow Bridge. The agreement also allows the state to execute an emergency contract with Swank Construction Company/HDR to begin design efforts immediately and mobilise to remove the existing bridge.
The bridge collapsed on 31 January, when US president Joe Biden was in Pittsburgh to give a speech that on the importance of funding for infrastructure. An initial report into the collapse was issued in early February.
PennDOT will be responsible for issues related to the design and construction of the new bridge. Once the project is completed the city will assume jurisdiction and maintenance responsibility.
Mayor Ed Gainey and governor Tom Wolf announced that up to US$25.3 million in federal funding has been made available for the collaborative project.
Renderings have been produced to reflect the overall design concept, though aspects are subject to change in final design and construction.
