Liberty Bridge Work To Resume Next Week

PITTSBURGH, PA - If you thought the Liberty Bridge renovation that has caused motorists headaches since 2015 was finished because there’s been little work done on the span in the winter, think again.

The $80 million rehabilitation project begins its latest phase next week. Here’s what’s in store this year, headache- and construction-wise, according to PennDOT:

• A total of 96 overnight outbound (southbound) tunnel closures will occur. Overnight closures will occur March 19-23 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m as crews install electrical conduit and cables, work on safety and control systems, and install equipment. Work on Friday nights could extend until noon on Saturdays. A weekly schedule will be provided in advance of all closures throughout the project’s duration.

• The $30.27 million final phase of work will include roadway pavement rehabilitation, the addition of safety and control systems, air monitoring upgrades and a fire containment system. Additionally, the fan house wll be extensively renovated.

• There also will be 28 inbound closures this year and possibly two weekend closures in the Liberty Tunnel.

The massive rehabilitation project, which began in 2015, should be completed in February 2019.

Photo: Eric Heyl/Patch staff.