PITTSBURGH, June 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, PENNDOT officials signaled the
beginning of the countdown to the conclusion of the Fort Pitt Bridge and
Tunnel project. The halftime event began with a report on the construction
progress and later revealed the largest painting on display at the city's
popular arts festival - the Fort Pitt Bridge arch.
"The bridge's new Aztec gold paint job is not just the largest painting at
the Three Rivers Arts Festival, but also the most expensive," said Dick
Skrinjar, PENNDOT Assistant Press Secretary. "The 20,000-gallon paint job is
$8.4 million of the $84 million budget."
The reconstruction work continues with a fresh coat of Aztec gold paint
making its way across the arch of the Fort Pitt Bridge. Demolition of the top
deck and the ramp leading to I-376 east is now complete. Crews are installing
rebar and pouring concrete to form the bridge deck's surface and barriers.
Steel and concrete support beams are in place for the next phase of rebuilding
on the Parkway East ramp.
"Trumbull Corporation and their subcontractors are aware of the schedule
and the September 6 deadline," said District Engineer Ray Hack. "Based on
their ability to meet the major milestones to this point of the project, we
are confident they will meet or beat this deadline."
Trumbull Corp. has begun replacing wall and ceiling tiles in the Fort Pitt
Tunnel. Rebar installation and concrete pouring is in progress on the tunnel
roadway and barriers. The Overheight Detection System and signage is being
installed and lighting and ventilation work continues while crews begin
preparations for asphalt paving.
The northbound lanes of the Fort Pitt Bridge and Tunnel are scheduled to
be open on or before September 6, 2003. Completion of the exit ramp from the
Fort Pitt Bridge to I-376 east is expected no later than October 15, 2003.
For more information on the Fort Pitt Bridge and Tunnel project visit
epenndot.com or call 1-877-450-4279 to speak to an operator at the 24-hour
PENNDOT Live Help Desk. Motorists are encouraged to follow the posted
alternate routes and drive safely through construction zones.
SOURCE PENNDOT
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Related links:
http://www.epenndot.com
CONTACT:
Dick Skrinjar, PENNDOT, +1-877-450-4279
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