Category: News || By Submitted Report

Work on a $17.3 million project to rehabilitate the Boston Bridge has been completed, a spokesman for the state Department of Transportation announced today.

No additional traffic restrictions or closures will occur as part of this project. All work is finished.

"We understand the impacts this project had on the local community and we appreciate the patience and cooperation of everyone while we completed important work to rehabilitate this structure," said Dan Cessna, executive of PennDOT District 11.

"Many unexpected challenges were encountered yet we were able through the determined efforts of our project team and contractor to deliver a great project that will keep the Boston Bridge safe and useable for decades to come."

The project, started in 2010, rehabilitated the two lane eight-span steel truss structure, which carries state Route 48 over the Youghiogheny River between Versailles and Elizabeth Township.

Improvements included replacing the concrete-filled steel grid deck, sidewalk and steel stringers, reinforcing steel floor beams, new barriers, rehabilitation of existing pedestrian railing, replacing existing expansion dams, replacement or retrofitting bearings, repairing the stone piers, repairing concrete on abutments and pedestal foundations, and repainting the entire structure.

"Our project team would like to thank the surrounding community for its patience and support of the completion of this project," said Heath Butler, assistant construction manager. "We think we have provided a quality product that will serve the community for several decades to come. Thanks again and enjoy your bridge!"

The 1,182 foot-long bridge, which also crosses CSX Railroad tracks, the McKeesport-Versailles LOOP biking-hiking trail, two local roads, was built in 1931. Approximately 17,000 vehicles use the bridge on an average day.

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