A Pennsylvania Turnpike bridge scheduled for demolition next month could play a key role in developing a riverfront park that would serve all of Allegheny County, Dave Fawcett says. The bridge spans the Allegheny River at Harmar and Plum.

The former county councilman has persuaded the current council to ask the Turnpike Commission to delay destruction for 90 days of the now unused Allegheny River Bridge.

Carl DeFebo, media and public relations manager for the commission, said the state-affiliated agency was considering the county’s request.

Saving the bridge would be an investment in the county’s future, Mr. Fawcett said.

"It would be a tragedy to blow up a bridge that could serve [someday] as a trail connector," he said. "It would cost tens of millions of dollars to replace its piers alone."


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