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(All photos by John Barna, special to Tube City Almanac)
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A newly opened ramp into the former site of U.S. Steel's National Works will provide a much-needed "economic shot in the arm" for McKeesport and the surrounding communities, said state Rep. Bill Kortz.

The Dravosburg Democrat joined Mayor Regis McLaughlin, fellow state Rep. Marc Gergely of White Oak, state Senator Jim Brewster, and other local, state and federal officials at a ribbon-cutting to formally open the so-called "flyover ramp" into RIDC's Industrial Center of McKeesport.

The ramp at the foot of Coursin Street allows traffic to enter directly from Lysle Boulevard, bypassing two railroad crossings that previously offered the only vehicular access to the site.

Others joining the ribbon-cutting included Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato; U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle, D-Forest Hills; Allegheny County Councilman Bob Macey, D-West Mifflin; and Dan Cessna, district executive for the state Department of Transportation.

Total construction cost was $10.9 million, paid for with county, state and federal money, county officials said. Design and construction was overseen by the county with assistance from PennDOT and RIDC.

"It was absolutely essential to provide easy, continuous access to this former industrial site in order for it to continue to grow, attract businesses and create jobs for McKeesport and the surrounding area," Onorato said. "Improved transportation in and around the Mon Valley has always been a critical piece of our redevelopment plans. This is an exciting day for the Industrial Center of McKeesport and our entire region."

Unused mill sites like the former National Works are "a heavy burden on the local economy," Doyle said. "The revitalization of this part of the Mon Valley depends upon the redevelopment of the area's old industrial sites. This is another important step in our efforts to bring new businesses and jobs to McKeesport."

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While some businesses are located on the old millsite, county officials said the flyover ramp will open the remaining acreage of the property to development. The park's largest tenant, a call center for the Dish Network satellite TV company, closed in March 2010, putting more than 800 people out of work. Company officials cited poor access to the property --- delays caused by the railroad crossings --- as among the factors in their decision to leave.

Besides helping to recruit "new industry and tax base," McLaughlin said, the ramp will "undoubtedly secure the employment base in place" at the industrial park.

His predecessor, Brewster, called the flyover a "ramp to future development."

The McKeesport ramp was built after a similar ramp was completed in November 2009 in Duquesne to provide access to the former U.S. Steel Duquesne Works. Together, these two flyover projects provide unimpeded access to 385 acres of former industrial sites for redevelopment, a county spokeswoman said.

(More photos follow the jump)

(Editor's Note: This story was written by Jason Togyer from a press release by Judi McNeil, spokeswoman for Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato.)

State Sen. James Brewster, D-McKeesport

State Rep. Marc Gergely, D-White Oak

County Executive Dan Onorato

PennDOT District 11 Executive Dan Cessna

U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle, D-Forest Hills

Dick Grace, former president, United Steelworkers Local 1408

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