Public Works' Andy Warhol Bridge Project Honored by March of Dimes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Amie M. Downs June 27, 2019 412-350-3711 (office) 412-327-3700 (cell) [email protected]

Public Works’ Andy Warhol Bridge Project Honored by March of Dimes

PITTSBURGH – The Department of Public Works’ Andy Warhol (Seventh Street) Bridge rehabilitation project, done in conjunction with PennDOT and the Federal Highway Administration, was recognized by the March of Dimes as the Transportation Project of the Year for 2019. The selection, made by a committee of industry leaders, was announced in January and was formally presented during the 9th-annual March of Dimes Transportation, Building and Construction Awards Luncheon held earlier today at the Westin Convention Center.

“We are honored and humbled that our work on the Andy Warhol Bridge is being recognized by the March of Dimes,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “Getting a project of this size done required the collective efforts of so many from the federal, state, and local levels, including our team in the Department of Public Works, our contractors, and our elected officials. We’re extremely thankful for their commitment, and by working together, they’ve ensured that one of the county’s most iconic bridges will be used and enjoyed for generations to come.”

Since 2011, the March of Dimes has honored individuals, organizations, and projects for achievements and efforts to promote economic development in western Pennsylvania. The $25.4 million Andy Warhol Bridge project was submitted to March of Dimes for recognition by Michael Baker International, which was contracted by Public Works to perform structural analysis and design of the bridge rehabilitation.

“It was truly an honor for me and our entire design team to work with our partners at Allegheny County and collaborate with all of the project stakeholders to develop the construction plans for the rehabilitation of the Andy Warhol Bridge and extend the life of the historic structure,” said John Tricini, PE, PLS, Project Manager for Michael Baker International.

Public Works Director Stephen Shanley, PE, accepted the Transportation Project of the Year award at the luncheon, which is annually one of the area’s largest events for the transportation, building, and construction industries. It draws more than 500 attendees and raises funds for the March of Dimes, which fights for the health of mothers and babies by supporting research, leading programs, and providing education and advocacy.

“Thank you to the March of Dimes for this incredible honor.” Shanley said. “We always take great satisfaction in the work we do to maintain the county’s roads and bridges, but we are particularly proud of this project. Rehabilitating a significant structure like the Andy Warhol Bridge is no small feat, and through hard work and attention to detail, this project was done well and on time. We couldn’t be more thrilled with the results and to be recognized for our efforts.”

The Andy Warhol Bridge was closed to traffic for the project on August 15, 2016, and it was reopened on November 18, 2017. The work was done by Brayman Construction of Saxonburg, and it included a new concrete deck, painting of the bridge Aztec Gold, structural steel repairs, replacement of the lighting with architectural lighting similar to the original, scour protection of the piers, replacement of the expansion dams and drainage systems, and installation of a new lane configuration.

Numerous materials not typically used in modern bridge construction were required to complete the rehabilitation, including new permanent tie-down anchorages, forged steel bridge pins and nuts, and permanently lubricated bronze bushings and washers. Thousands of rivets were replaced with high-strength bolts with button heads to mimic the look of rivets, improving structural capacity while also being mindful of appearance.

The Andy Warhol Bridge was opened in 1926 and is one of the three “Sister Bridges” – all of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. They are the only trio of identical bridges in the world and the first self-anchored suspension bridges in the United States.

The Andy Warhol Bridge was the first among the “Sister Bridges” to undergo rehabilitation, and it was followed by the Rachel Carson (Ninth Street) Bridge, which closed on February 11, 2019, and is expected to reopen during summer 2020. The Roberto Clemente (Sixth Street) Bridge is expected to be closed from summer 2021 to winter 2022.

Additional information about the “Sister Bridges” projects can be found online at: https://www.alleghenycounty.us/public-works/sister-bridges-project.aspx

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Stephen G. Shanley, PE, Director Department of Public Works 501 County Office Building │542 Forbes Avenue │ Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Phone: 412-350-4005 │ Fax: 412-350-5386 www.alleghenycounty.us