Two years after the Fern Hollow Bridge collapse: crucial questions still not addressed

On January 28, 2022, Pittsburgh captured widespread attention when the Fern Hollow Bridge collapsed. The collapse caused the bridge to fall more than 100 feet, while numerous vehicles, including a Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus, were sent into the park below. Since 2022, efforts have focused on reconstructing and reopening the bridge.

The bridge collapse caused injuries to ten people, some of whom sustained severe harm. Subsequently, a judge compelled the engineering firm CDM Smith Incorporated to disclose all pertinent documents relating to the bridge.

Insights into the collapse have emerged, notably through the recent release of thousands of documents from the National Transportation Board's investigation. These documents show systemic failures across multiple institutions that are responsible for the bridge maintenance. The problems are mainly based on revealing a dearth of proactive measures and inadequate resource allocation.

Further examination of these documents by KDKA Investigates uncovered a recurring pattern of short-sightedness. An interview with the overseeing engineer revealed insufficient time allocated for inspections precluding thorough examination. More specifically, only two brief, six-hour periods are allotted to assess the 447-foot-long bridge.

The NTSB report also identified a lack of maintenance, notably the failure to remove accumulating debris. The latter did not allow reinforcement drying and hence fostering corrosion and deterioration. Moreover, the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure neglected to request the contractor to clean the expansion joints or the stormwater drainage system for almost three years before the collapse.