(News)

A new bridge carrying Lincoln Way is scheduled to open today, ending two months of detours.

Barring any unforeseen delays, the two-lane span carrying the highway across Long Run near Oak Park Mall will open to traffic at around 12 noon, says Jim Struzzi, district spokesman for the state Department of Transportation.

That portion of Lincoln Way in White Oak carries more than 14,000 cars daily, according to PennDOT statistics. Although the official detour routed cars up Route 48 to Route 30, many drivers were using the mall's parking lot as a shortcut, snarling traffic for shoppers.

The new bridge was built by Clearwater Construction of Mercer County under a $6.4 million contract to replace or repair several bridges in the Pittsburgh area, Struzzi says.

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Police Promotions Announced: Three veteran city police officers received promotions in rank, Chief Bryan Washowich announced last week.

Police Lt. Tim Hanna was promoted to captain, Sgt. Tim Bliss was promoted to lieutenant, and Det. Chris Halaszynski was promoted to detective sergeant.

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International Village Report Planned: This year's International Village grossed more than $77,000, city officials reported at Wednesday's council meeting.

A financial report will be released at October's council meeting, Mayor Jim Brewster says. The three-day ethnic food and music festival ended the year in the black, he says.

"We want to show the public that it isn't free --- there are expenses," Brewster says. The annual fireworks display at the close of the festival was canceled this year to save money, but sponsors have been lined up to pay for fireworks for next year's event, he says.

Brewster credits city Councilman Darryl Segina, who served as International Village chair for 16 years, with leaving the festival's finances "in good shape."

"We're just continuing what he was doing," Brewster says.