The Waterfront Line opened on July 10, 1996, as a legacy project for the City’s Bicentennial Celebration.
In 2018, an extensive inspection of the bridge was completed.
In 2019, RTA began to monitor stress cracks flagged by the inspection, RTA began to limit stress on the bridge by restricting traffic to one car crossing at a time.
October 2020, Waterfront Line service was suspended due to Tower City track rehabilitation project.
Spring of 2021, RTA engaged Hardesty & Hanover (H & H) to complete a second inspection before returning the line to service.
Upon completion of inspection, H & H released initial findings, which included a recommendation to construct four temporary support towers to stabilize the bridge. Included in their recommendation was to continue the suspension of service.
Local firm, Ruhlin Construction has been awarded an emergency contract to complete construction of the towers. (Targeted completion date: end of October 2021)
H & H has also begun design of a permanent fix, which would allow resumption of full service. Time frame for the completion of the permanent rehabilitation is approximately two years.
$6 million have been budgeted for this project will be funded through FTA federal formula grants.
We apologize for any inconvenience this closure may cause but, the safety of our customers, staff and general public remains our top priority.