Route 28 northbound reopens after debris falls from bridge between Harmar, Cheswick-Springdale exits
HARMAR TOWNSHIP, Pa. (KDKA) -- Route 28 northbound is back open after stones fell from an overhead railroad bridge onto the roadway.
A stretch of the road between the Harmar and Cheswick-Springdale exits closed overnight but reopened by 12:30 p.m. Friday.
State police in Kittanning said debris fell from an overhead train bridge near Russellton Road in Harmar Township. PennDOT said Route 28 was shut down as a safety precaution and inspectors who were called to the scene didn't find any structural concerns.
Shoring was added to the underside of the bridge to prevent debris from falling into the road until a permanent repair could be made, PennDOT said.
The stones, also known as ballast, act as roadbed for the actual railroad track. The vibration from the trail and gravity combined to close the road.
"The gap in the bridge deck is only 2 inches so the stone is very small," said Lori Musto with PennDOT.
The southbound lanes of Route 28 were not affected but PennDOT said shoring will be added to that side as a precaution as early next week. Lane restrictions for that work will be announced later.
PennDOT said it's working closely with the railroad to try to figure out a more permanent solution to this problem but the bridge is safe to travel under.