A key link in Pittsburgh's trail network got its final piece of funding yesterday, and could open by the end of 2007.

		Map: Final link in Pittsburgh's riverfront trail system

U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum announced the release of $500,000 for renovation of the second part of the Hot Metal Bridge, linking South Oakland and the South Side for bicyclists and walkers.

Both halves of the bifurcated bridge served LTV Steel's massive mills. One side has been open to vehicles since June 2000.

The parallel trail span will have a 14-foot-wide deck, linking the Eliza Furnace Trail on the Monongahela River's north bank with the South Side Riverfront Trail. It will cross both the river and Second Avenue.

Pittsburgh Mayor Bob O'Connor noted that it will connect the thriving SouthSide Works development with the Pittsburgh Technology Center, where a series of proposed parking garages is expected to spur development of new office and research buildings.

"The employees on both sides can walk across and enjoy the amenities here, the restaurants," he said. "It's really improving the quality of life for us throughout southwestern Pennsylvania."

Mr. Santorum delivered the check on behalf of himself and Sen. Arlen Specter.

Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato called it part of an effort to turn what was steel industry infrastructure into an improved transportation system.

"These bridges, which were just liabilities for 20 years, are now becoming the major links between all the arteries -- universities, high-tech community, entertainment," he said.

The award from the federal transportation kitty completes a $6.5 million package for the bridge, which will be paid for entirely by Washington.

Contractors will be picked this spring, said John Coyne, director of engineering for the city's Urban Redevelopment Authority. Construction should start this summer.