Pittsburgh Students Learn Green Infrastructure at Bridge Project

Pittsburgh Students Transform Bridge Project into a Learning Experience

This spring, high school students from the Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy are gearing up for an innovative educational opportunity. Thanks to a $50,000 grant from S&B USA, a leading infrastructure firm, the students will transform the Commercial Street Bridge replacement project into a hands-on classroom.

The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy will facilitate this initiative as part of their educational outreach, where students will explore the construction site on April 29. As outlined by the conservancy, the students will delve into the complex engineering and community engagement aspects of the $95 million Pennsylvania Department of Transportation project. They will also learn about the integration of green infrastructure and environmental sustainability in such large-scale initiatives.

Situated between the Edgewood/Swissvale Exit 77 I-376 interchange and the Squirrel Hill Tunnel, the existing bridge spans vital areas such as Nine Mile Run, Frick Park, and Commercial Street. The replacement, undertaken by Fay S&B USA, will utilize accelerated bridge construction techniques. According to PennDOT’s website, this method involves sliding the newly constructed bridge into position on the existing parkway.

The educational grant from S&B USA not only supports the Urban EcoStewards program but also funds two additional school initiatives: Habitat Explorers for first graders and Park Explorers for fourth and fifth graders. Hersh Merenstein, the Director of Institutional Relations at the conservancy, mentioned that the grant, along with contributions from the Woodland Hills district and the Parent Teacher Organization, extends these programs to new partners.

Students will typically engage in efforts at Frick Park, such as tree planting and invasive species removal. They’ll gain insights into the legislative processes concerning environmental laws. These experiences often lead students to the Young Naturalists Program, offering a five-week internship that includes a $1,500 stipend.

Partnerships like this one introduce students to potential careers in green jobs and the construction industry. S&B USA will showcase their slide-in construction method, which they’ve previously employed in other projects. Katie Spear, Vice President of Communications, highlighted the bridge's future setup process, involving a new arched delta frame bridge and temporary foundations while maintaining traffic flow. The new bridge, weighing over 19 million pounds, will eventually be integrated using a skidding system for precise placement.

The Parkway East shutdown will be notably shorter than traditional methods, lasting about one month. This accelerated timeline, as indicated by Spear, contrasts with a potential two-year closure.

While school programs typically visit Frick Park thrice annually, the grant allows a fourth visit this spring. The conservancy covers transportation costs, ensuring accessibility for all schools involved. Students collaborate on ecological projects, such as managing plots on Clayton Hill and erecting protective fencing. Additionally, they explore pathways to careers in civil engineering and related fields through programs like Future Road Builders.

By integrating educational opportunities with infrastructure projects, S&B USA and the conservancy aim to inspire young learners and introduce them to STEM and infrastructure careers. As Catherine Qureshi, President and CEO of the conservancy, stated, "We are excited to work together to show how major construction projects like the Commercial Street Bridge replacement can also enhance the natural spaces that make Pittsburgh special."

The collaboration will extend over the three-year construction span, with major work anticipated in 2025 and 2026, followed by environmental restoration efforts, including stream remediation and reforestation. The project is expected to conclude by summer 2027, with significant enhancements to the park and surrounding communities.