Press Release

Interim Emergency Relief Granted to Remove Railroad Bridge Spanning Route 51 in the City of Pittsburgh

Published on 6/7/2024

Filed under: Rails Transportation and Safety

The PUC Will Review the Judge’s Interim Emergency Order

HARRISBURG – An administrative law judge of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has granted Interim Emergency Relief enabling the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the City of Pittsburgh to proceed with the removal of a railroad bridge spanning State Route 51 in the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County.

On June 6, 2024, PUC Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Mary Long granted a Petition for Interim Emergency Order (Emergency Order) which provides for the abolishment of the public railroad crossing (above grade of Saw Mill Run Boulevard) and removal of the bridge carrying the abandoned cartway of Pittsburgh & West Virginia Railway Company (and West Side Belt Railroad Company).

In her Emergency Order, ALJ Long granted relief based upon the evidence presented by PennDOT and the City of Pittsburgh that “the significantly deteriorated condition of the bridge raises significant safety concerns to the traveling public, which may necessitate the closure of State Route 51 if the bridge is not promptly removed.” 

Currently, the bridge is owned by the City of Pittsburgh, but via a work agreement PennDOT has temporary ownership of the bridge and has agreed to manage the demolition project – including the securing of federal funding to remove the bridge.

ALJ Long’s ruling comes following the results of a virtual field investigation conducted by the PUC’s Rail Safety Division on May 7, 2024, as well as two days of evidentiary hearings conducted earlier this week in response to an “Emergency Application” filed by PennDOT and the City of Pittsburgh on May 2, 2024.

Existing parties to the proceeding, including PennDOT, the City of Pittsburgh, Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway Company, and Wabash Properties LLC, now have seven days to file briefs related to the Emergency Order.  The PUC has 30 days to act on the Interim Emergency Order and make a final determination on emergency relief status.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases and video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov. Follow the PUC on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.  Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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Docket No.:  A-2024-3048837

Contact:

• David Hixson
  Deputy Press Secretary
  717-772-2766
  dhixson@pa.gov