Last-minute plea saves bridge pier from demolition
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Just hours before a crew was scheduled to demolish a large stone pier in the Allegheny River, the head of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission stepped in Monday to save it, buying time for groups that hope to use the support to build a pedestrian path to Fourteen Mile Island.
The pier is one of several left from the old turnpike bridge demolished July 30. Former Allegheny County Councilman David Fawcett, who led the effort to save the pier, said it could create the foundation for a biking and walking path from Harmar to the island, providing easier access to a picturesque natural area.
"Quite frankly, I'm in favor of that. I think it's a great thing for the county," turnpike Executive Director Joseph Brimmeier said.
Currently, Fourteen Mile Island, owned by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, is accessible only by boat. Mr. Fawcett said that without Pier 5 -- located in the middle of the water between Harmar and the island -- building a path would be too difficult and cost-prohibitive.
Mr. Fawcett and his allies had asked county council to take ownership of the piers, but the county declined. A crew was scheduled to tear down Pier 5 Monday evening.
Mr. Fawcett called Mr. Brimmeier Monday in a last-minute attempt to stop the demolition. The crew members were on their way to the site when Mr. Brimmeier called them off.
The Turnpike Commission will retain responsibility for Pier 5 until another group can take it over. Two other remaining piers, on either side of the river, will be demolished, Mr. Brimmeier said.
County Council President Rich Fitzgerald, who supports the idea of building a path, said Mr. Brimmeier's decision came at the perfect moment.
"Now we kind of have a little more time to properly evaluate it," he said.
"The challenge now would be to find a design that would make sense," Mr. Fawcett said. "But at least now we have the opportunity to do that."
First Published August 10, 2010 12:00 am
