ROADS/BRIDGES: Liberty Bridge in Pittsburgh reopens to most traffic

Sept. 28, 2016

A temporary 9-ton weight limit is currently in place for vehicles crossing the bridge

The Liberty Bridge, a span that carries 55,000 vehicles a day in Pittsburgh, has reopened to traffic. The bridge has been closed since a fire Sept. 2 damaged a 30-ft-long steel chord that supports tons of weight.

For now, there is a 9-ton weight limit on vehicles crossing the span. Cars, pickup trucks and ambulances are allowed. However, firetrucks, school buses, Port Authority buses, tractor-trailers and empty tri-axle trucks are forbidden. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) said state police will conduct spot checks on vehicle weights.

If all goes according to plan, that weight limit will jump to 30 tons over the next few weeks, according to Dan Cessna, PennDOT's local district executive.

Sponsored Recommendations

The Science Behind Sustainable Concrete Sealing Solutions

Extend the lifespan and durability of any concrete. PoreShield is a USDA BioPreferred product and is approved for residential, commercial, and industrial use. It works great above...

Champion Flame Shield® Phenolic Conduit Guide

Learn how Champion Flame Shield® Provides a Safe Solution in Fire Sensitive Applications

Electrical Conduit Comparison Chart

See how fiberglass conduit stacks up to the competition in crucial areas like weight, corrosion resistance and installation cost.

Proven Concrete Protection That’s Safe & Sustainable

Real-life DOT field tests and university researchers have found that PoreShieldTM lasts for 10+ years and extends the life of concrete.