SR 0885-A36, Bates Street/ 2nd Avenue Improvements (Eliza Furnace Trail Bridge)

SAI was responsible for the preliminary and final replacement design of this pedestrian bridge on the Eliza Furnace Trail over Bates Street and improvements to the intersection of Bates Street with 2nd Avenue. The new bridge was designed at an increased height over Bates Street to eliminate the former low clearance hazard. In addition, Bates Street has been widened to 5 lanes at the intersection with 2nd Avenue to improve traffic flow. This project was initially part of the Mon-Fayette Expressway Project with the design of the new bridge and intersection improvements funded by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and the City of Pittsburgh funding the construction.

Physical features:

• 100′ simple-span prestressed concrete bulb T-beam bridge over Bates Street (S.R. 0885).
• 870′ of bituminous trail approach reconstruction.
• 400′ of widening and reconstruction on Bates Street (S.R. 0885).

Other features:

• Stained concrete, form liners, and unique architectural treatments including decorative handrails.
• Landscaping of adjacent trail areas.
• New traffic signals/signal plan.
• The new structure resulted in increasing the clearance over Bates Street from approximately 11′-6″ to 18′-1″ with a structure skew of 88 degrees 54′ +/-.
• Utility relocation coordination.
• Traffic analysis and control plan.
• Demolition plan.
• Erosion and sedimentation control plan.
• Right-of-way plans and public involvement.
• Signing and pavement marking plan
• Trail traffic was required to be maintained during construction with an at-grade trail detour along Second Avenue and through the Pittsburgh Technology Center.