UPDATE: August 2024

As of August 20, construction on the bridge substructure (two new concrete piers and refurbishment of the two existing masonry abutments) is nearly complete.

Work has moved up the hills to Riverview Drive where the contractor has removed the old roadbed and stabilized the ground in preparation for the new trail. On Davis Avenue, the stormwater system has been updated, overhead utilities have been relocated, and new sidewalks will soon be built.

Unfortunately, there were supply chain issues procuring some of the rolled steel that makes up the bridge truss, so the offsite fabrication has been delayed. At this time, the truss fabricator anticipates delivery to Pittsburgh at the end of October 2024. The contractor is prepared to install the truss immediately, but the late delivery date may push crucial concrete and roadway work into Spring 2025.

We will continue to provide construction and schedule updates on this page as work progresses. In the meantime, we appreciate everyone's patience and cooperation with the on-going trail closures in Riverview Park.

Project Background

The Davis Avenue bridge reconstruction project aims to reconnect the Brighton Heights neighborhood to Riverview Park. The previous bridge, constructed in 1898, was a pin-connected, cantilever deck truss, and featured ingenuity for its day. However, the bridge lacked modern insight into necessary safety and maintenance features and had limited capacity for heavily-loaded vehicles. Ultimately, the bridge was demolished by the City in 2009.

The new Davis Avenue bridge will function as a bike and pedestrian bridge and feature modern building designs, materials, and insights, while emulating the aesthetic established by the prior bridge.

The Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) is anticipating the bridge opening to foot traffic by Fall 2024.

If you have any questions or comments, we would appreciate your feedback! You can use the Comment box, below, to share your thoughts with DOMI.

Public Art

Part of the design of the new Davis Avenue Bridge includes a public art piece that celebrates the rebuilding of this bridge between Riverview Park and Northside neighborhoods. This art project is made possible by the City of Pittsburgh’s Percent for Art program which matches 1% of the construction budget with a dedicated budget for public art.

Follow the public art project's Engage page here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Have a question that's not answered here? Ask it above!

Since the previous bridge was demolished in 2009, nearby communities have been requesting and building support for reestablishing a connection to Riverview Park.

The new Davis Avenue pedestrian bridge will provide a direct connection between the Brighton Heights neighborhood and the largest city park in the Northside (Riverview Park).

Yes, construction for the new bridge is fully funded.

Funding sources include municipal bonds, American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds, a Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) grant, and the Allegheny County Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund (GEDTF).

With the abundance of vehicle parking on Riverview Avenue near to the various park amenities (the playground, pool, pavilions, trailheads, etc.), there is no additional parking planned on Davis Avenue.

By designing and building a bridge exclusively for pedestrians and bicyclists, the required load-carrying capacity of the structure is greatly diminished.

This enables the previous bridge abutments to be reused, and the total area of impermeable pavement on Riverview Drive is reduced (which improves stability of the steep hillside). This means this project costs a fraction of the price of a full vehicle bridge.