Motorists Move Signs To Cross Closed Bridge

BRIDGEVILLE (KDKA) - PennDOT has closed one small bridge in Bridgeville because it is structurally deficient.

However, police said people have been moving the signs and driving over it anyway.

KDKA-TV cameras caught one driver taking it upon herself to move a sign blocking the entrance of the McLoughlin Run Road Bridge Tuesday morning.

"Someone's waiting on me. I'm a caregiver," the woman said. "There could have been a sign notifying me."

The Bridgeville Police Chief said at least seven citations were issued for people crossing the bridge over the weekend.

Neily Rosko lives right beside the bridge and said a lack of noticeable signs leave people using her driveway and sidewalk as a place to turn around.

"People are busting up the sidewalk, driving on the sidewalk, tractor-trailers are getting stuck between the houses. This is a major thoroughfare," Rosko said.

Construction began last week to demolish and replace the century-old bridge. Rosko said she's started to reprimand drivers and wants PennDOT to put up additional signs.

"They say, "McLoughlin Run Road Detour." But, they really should say the road is closed or have something at the end that says 'Local Traffic Only.'"

PennDOT Spokesman Jim Struzzi said more signs may be added and he planned to speak with the project manager.

However, he said that no one should be removing signs to use the bridge.

"They're working underneath the bridge. It's unsafe to cross. It's unsafe to travel across. We are going to put up concrete barriers on both ends to prevent people from going across," Struzzi said.

The barriers should be in place later this week and they hope to complete the project in September.

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