A confirmed bridge collapse has occurred near the intersection of Forbes and Braddock, near Frick Park in Pittsburgh on Friday, Jan. 28, 2022. The bridge was once hailed as one of the best in the country after its 1970s construction. PITTSBURGH — The Fern Hollow Bridge in Frick Park was built over 14 months in 1972 and 1973 for $1.2 million, replacing a 70-year-old bridge that was closed because it was deemed “hazardous” and to have “extreme deterioration,” according to stories at the time.
HDR spokesman Jim Camoriano said in an email: “Our thoughts go out to those who were injured in the Fern Hollow Bridge collapse, and we commend those who joined the rescue efforts.” The company that constructed the bridge, Conn Construction Company of New Castle, also no longer exists. It was merged into a company, New Castle Enterprises, which later became Bridges & Towers Inc. No one from the company could be reached on Saturday.
Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey said the bridge was last inspected in September 2021. A statewide report from last year noted the bridge was still in poor condition.