Pittsburgh's Fern Hollow Bridge collapsed on Jan. 28, 2022. Since then, it has been rebuilt with the help of funding from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the collapse.
The investigation has had some troubling results with new records released showing that Pittsburgh failed to properly maintain the bridge. NTSB is focusing on the bridge's corroded legs, uncoated weathering steel, and clogged drains.
Pittsburgh knew that at least 11 bridges needed repairs in late 2017, approximately four years prior to the Fern Hollow Bridge's collapse, according to documents released by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).
A report from the NTSB found that a lack of maintenance led to clogged drains on the bridge. According to NTSB, the clogged drains resulted in corrosion which contributed to the bridge's collapse.
According to documents, the consultant who led inspections of the Fern Hollow Bridge told Pittsburgh the drains had to be cleared of debris.
"The number one problem was the clogged scuppers and downspouts on almost all their bridges. And I tried to preach that the whole time, and nothing ever got done. I mean, just simply clean the stuff, you know?" said Tim Pintar, who oversaw inspections for CDM Smith.
Pittsburgh, responding to NTSB questions, said it did not ask its maintenance contractor to clean expansion joints or the drainage system on the bridge in the three years prior to its collapse. It also said there was no maintenance schedule for the expansion joints or stormwater drainage.
The NTSB documents raise concerns about PennDOT's bridge inspection procedures.
Pittsburgh's bridge inspection consultant said he was allowed only two six-hour periods to inspect the bridge.
Documents released by PennDOT show a concern about a lack of action from city officials and a lack of funding to make bridge repairs.
Based on the provided documents, it is unknown how many of the recommended repairs have been made since. Records show that two of the listed repairs were made on the Fern Hollow Bridge before it collapsed.
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Source: TribLive.com, WTAE.com
