Chartiers Bridge expands from 4 to 7 lanes

Chartiers Bridge reopens as seven lanes

By Andrea Iglar

Following three extended weekend closures this spring, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has completed the bulk of the $10.78 million project to widen the Chartiers Bridge between South Fayette Township and Bridgeville Borough.

Temporary lane restrictions may continue to occur as needed.

2023: This view of the widened and reconfigured Chartiers Bridge faces South Fayette Township. The bridge connects Washington Pike in South Fayette (the Midas side) with Washington Avenue in Bridgeville (the Rite-Aid side). The bridge crosses Chartiers Creek, which is the dividing line between the two municipalities.

Photo courtesy of PennDOT

The bridge over Chartiers Creek was widened from four lanes to seven lanes. Going toward Bridgeville (Rite-Aid), two lanes continue straight, and one lane is dedicated to turning right onto Chartiers Street.

Heading toward South Fayette (Midas), one lane turns right onto the Interstate 79 northbound on-ramp; one lane turns onto Millers Run Road/Route 50; one lane continues straight on Washington Pike; and one lane turns left into The Crossings at South Fayette shopping center (Aldi, Starbucks).

Also, one lane was added to Chartiers Street at Washington Pike, and one lane was added to the I-79 northbound on-ramp in South Fayette.

Contractors, including Joseph B. Fay Company of Pittsburgh and Lomma Crane & Rigging of South Fayette, work on bridge construction in April.

Photo by Andrea Iglar

Bridge history: 1985

These historical photos of the Chartiers Bridge are marked "Bridge Closing, March 1985."

This file photo of a procession across the Chartiers Bridge is marked "Bridge Closing, March 1985."

It appears that a procession of classic cars crossed the bridge to mark its temporary closure prior to a project 38 years ago.

Work likely updated the bridge design and replaced the truss, which is the load-bearing structure forming the triangular shapes.

This file photo shows the triangular truss design of the Chartiers Bridge in 1985.