With Pittsburgh approval, Norfolk Southern is a go for double-stacking bridge modifications

Norfolk Southern

The main piece of a settlement between the city of Pittsburgh and Norfolk Southern now must be approved by the city council, and that could come as early as May 31.

The city council is expected to approve plans for a pedestrian bridge at the North Avenue and Brighton Road crossing. Back in 2019, a mediator settled a dispute between Norfolk Southern, which wants to make bridges in the Pittsburgh area able to handle double-stacked freight cars, and the city by requiring the Class 1 to build the pedestrian overpass.

Once the move is approved Norfolk Southern could begin construction in the coming months. It received a $20 million state grant back in April 2017 for work on four bridges. The West North Avenue Bridge will be raised 30 in. The Pennsylvania Avenue Bridge will move up 33 in. The South Negley Avenue Bridge will increase by 17 in. and the track bed that runs under the Columbus Avenue Bridge will be lowered 18 in. Norfolk Southern also will replace the Merchant Street Bridge.

Public meetings will be held on the upcoming bridge work in order to get more input from residents.

Read more articles on railroad bridges.