Sep 28, 2007 10:40 pm US/Eastern
Long-Awaited Overpass Set To Open In Leetsdale
LEETSDALE (KDKA) ―
After nearly 20 years, a much-needed overpass in Leetsdale will be open to traffic.
Two people instrumental in getting the project started were the late Mayor of Leetsdale, Michele Maruca, for whom the bridge is named, and retired KDKA-TV Problem-Solver Wayne Van Dine.
With all of the traffic in Route 65 and trucks going in and out of the Leetsdale Industrial Park, safety had been an issue. Fires were tough to reach and in the last 10 years, five motorists were killed trying to cross the tracks.
About 200 accidents a year happen on Route 65, according to Leetsdale Police Chief Shawn Fleming.
Because of the overpass, emergency workers will have easier access to homes.
"With the access to the new bridge and the new crossing, we don't have to wait for a train to cross to get to the industrial park or the residents on Washington Street," Acting Fire Chief Amos Cameron said. "And with the Oliver Street Bridge having a weight limit and with our new fire truck it will give us easier and faster access to get over to the businesses and the residents for fire protection.
Because of some problems with the traffic lights and the train signal, the overpass won't officially open until October 2nd. On October 5th, the railroad crossing will close.
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