Viaduct finally reopens

More work will be done under the bridge, but it won't stop traffic.
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR PENNSYLVANIA BUREAU
SHARON, Pa. -- For a bridge that inspired much controversy in its closing, the Oakland Avenue Viaduct had little fanfare in its reopening.
The 300-foot span that crosses the Shenango Valley Freeway opened to traffic at about 11:30 a.m. Thursday, said Mark Miller, director of the Mercer County bridge department.
Workers spent the morning striping the bridge and removing the bridge-closed signs before allowing traffic on it, he said.
"I think there was enough advance publicity from various sources that people were anxious to use it," Miller said.
Mercer County Commissioner Brian Beader agreed.
"Were just very pleased it is open for the residents of Sharon. We decided not to have a ribbon-cutting ceremony. We wanted to get it open as soon as possible," he said.
What happened
The bridge was imploded June, 23, 2001, for replacement, but by December of that year, the county had stopped work. Work hit a snag when the contractor reported the steel frame was slightly out of alignment by as much as three inches, causing the bridge to have a slight "S" shape.
It took four years for the county to sort out an agreement with the bonding company of contractor Carmen Paliotta Contracting Inc. of Library, Pa., to have the work resume.
Thursday was the completion date set in the agreement, according to Beader.
While traffic is flowing over the span, there is still work to be done underneath the bridge and repairing a drainage culvert under Pa. Route 62 that was damaged during the demolition of the bridge, he said. Beader said those things should not impede traffic.
Miller said that work should be completed within two weeks.
Sharon Mayor Bob Lucas said he's happy the bridge is finally reopened.
"This is all about the future of Sharon," he said.
Lucas said when the bridge was closed, the rerouted traffic caused traffic jams on Stambaugh Avenue.
He said city officials hope to have an official ribbon-cutting on the bridge even if county officials do not. The mayor said he is tentatively scheduling one for Monday.
"That bridge is something to brag about," he said.
cioffi@vindy.com