Public Works Closes Bridge that Carries
Jacks Run Road in Ross Following Inspection
PITTSBURGH – The Department of Public Works announced today that it has closed Jacks Run Road Bridge No. 3, which carries Jacks Run Road over I-279 between Bellevue Road/Bellpark Drive and Kane Lane in Ross. During an inspection, inspectors found corroded steel within the bridge’s only pier, making it impossible for Public Works engineers to determine how much weight the bridge can safely hold. Public Works does not yet have a timetable for when the bridge will reopen.
“Out of an abundance of caution and to ensure the safety of drivers using the bridge and those driving underneath it on I-279, we made the difficult decision to close the bridge today,” said Stephen Shanley, P.E., Public Works Director. “This is not a decision we took lightly. We know this is a vital link for drivers in Ross, and we will do everything possible to get the bridge reopened as soon as possible. Thank you to those impacted by this closure for your patience and understanding.”
During the closure, traffic will be detoured using Brighton Road, Lincoln Avenue, North Balph Avenue, and Bellevue Road.
Jacks Run Bridge No. 3 is used by an average of 4,631 vehicles daily. The 202-foot, two-lane bridge was built in 1986. It has a bridge condition rating of 4 (poor condition) on a 0-9 scale based on National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) established by the Federal Highway Administration. For more information about bridge condition ratings, visit alleghenycounty.us/bridges.
In 2021, Public Works hired a consultant to start designing a replacement project for the bridge, and that project remains in the design phase. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), and Allegheny County are funding the project. Prior to the discovery of the corroded steel within the pier, construction of a new Jacks Run Bridge No. 3 was expected to occur in 2027.
The bridge underwent a routine inspection last year, when inspectors discovered deteriorated concrete on the bridge’s pier, which is connected to a retaining wall next to the outbound lane of I-279. This past spring, a construction contractor hired by Public Works began repairing the concrete. As the contractor was removing the deteriorated concrete, Public Works discovered that the concrete deterioration was more extensive than anticipated.
While a consultant was developing a plan to address that additional concrete deterioration, Public Works proactively asked the consultant to further inspect the pier. During that inspection, the consultant discovered that steel reinforcement bars that provide strength to the pier were corroded and completely broken in some areas.
Public Works will now work to determine whether it is feasible to move up the replacement project’s schedule. If that is not possible, the department will attempt to reopen the bridge as quickly as possible by developing and implementing repairs to the problematic pier while the replacement project continues through the typical design process and timetable.
When a timetable has been finalized for replacement of or repairs to the bridge, Public Works will announce that information to the public via press release, Allegheny Alerts, and social media.
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