Published on September 21, 2026
PITTSBURGH – The Department of Public Works announced today that Universal Road near Hershey Road in Penn Hills has reopened to traffic earlier than expected. The closure, which began on July 13, 2026, was required for work on Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad Bridge No. 1, which carries Universal Road over Union Railroad tracks. The project included deck, approach, sidewalk, and barrier repairs; the cleaning and painting of structural steel; and downspout cleaning.
Pugliano Construction of Plum was the primary construction contractor for the $514,000 project.
Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad Bridge No. 1 is used by average of 9,286 vehicles daily. Prior to the project, it had a bridge condition rating of 3 (poor condition) on a 0-9 scale based on National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) established by the Federal Highway Administration. For more information about bridge condition ratings, visit alleghenycounty.us/bridges.
Media inquiries may be directed to Brent Wasko, Public Information Officer for the Department of Public Works, at brent.wasko@alleghenycounty.us or by phone at 412-350-2451 (office) or 412-577-6175 (cell).