This work is part of a project to virtually eliminate the gap between the trail in Cecil Township and the Arrowhead section of the trail in Peters Township.
The original railroad bridge over Valleybrook Road and two others nearby were razed before anyone thought that the Montour Trail could be developed over the abandoned Montour Railroad right of way.
"Raising the girders on this bridge is a significant step in eliminating the most difficult and dangerous gap in the Montour Trail," said Council president Mark Imgrund. "We thank everyone who has had a hand in enabling this project to proceed. We will continue to need support from the public, governments, and private foundations to achieve our goal of an unbroken trail from Clairton to Moon Township near Coraopolis."
The bridge being raised is part of a $1 million contract through the state Department of Transportation to repair and restore three bridges that will carry the Montour Trail over Valleybrook Road, the Pittsburgh and Ohio Central Railroad, and Chartiers Creek.
U.S. Congressman Tim Murphy and former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum were instrumental in directing the federal funding to this critical project.
The trail surface and drainage along this 1.6-mile section of trail will be installed as part of a separate $250,000 project funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Funding to match the DCNR grant money is provided by in-kind contributions from volunteers, Peters Township, Bethel Park, and Mingo Creek Construction (the contractor for this project) along with privately donated funds.
If weather conditions prevent the girder installation from taking place on Feb. 12, it should occur later that week.
Alternating one-way traffic will be maintained along Valleybrook Road during the installation; warning signs have been posted. Work is expected to begin after 9 a.m. so the rush hour traffic and school bus routes will not be impacted.