Politics & Government

Borough Braces for Bridge Closure

PennDOT has pushed back the closure of the McLaughlin Run Road bridge to April 6.

The McLaughlin Run Road bridge is scheduled to close for repairs in early April and some Bridgeville residents are worried about how the traffic detours will impact their neighborhoods.

The state Department of Transportation plans to close the single-lane bridge on April 6 as it rebuilds the span over the next six months.

McLaughlin Run Road is a major thoroughfare between the borough and Upper St. Clair, and the construction ultimately will force motorists onto other roads. That is exactly what concerns Michael Regan, who lives on Ridge Road and is worried about increased traffic.

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“It’s a disaster waiting to happen,” Regan said.

Regan told Bridgeville Borough Council at its monthly meeting Monday night that he wants more police patrols on the street because many children play at Cook School Park at the top of the hill.

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Bridgeville police Chief Chad King said and there are multiple alternative routes motorists may eventually choose. He said that other borough roads such as Bank and Coolidge streets could be more problematic.

“This is going to be a problem on other streets,” King said. “We’re going to have to wait and see where we need to be.”

King added that besides increasing patrols in targeted areas, he may ask South Fayette’s police department to use its electronic speed sign that shows motorists how fast they’re driving.

“People might follow the (designated) routes at first,” King said. “But as time goes on, I’m sure people will try to circumvent that. … If we find a problem, we will address it.”

Councilman Michael Chiado suggested the borough’s public safety committee and police meet with Ridge Road residents to alleviate their concerns. The borough also discussed possibly delaying plans to repave Ridge Road until 2012 because of the possibility of added traffic.


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