MOUNT WASHINGTON (KDKA) – The closure of McArdle Roadway is creating some headaches, but that is not the only road on Mount Washington that is off limits right now.

The road blocks are up and Wyoming Street is off limits to traffic between Sycamore Street and Grandview Avenue.

The reason for the closure is due to a retaining wall which collapsed on Oct. 31.

“It’s been deteriorating for the last 15, 20 years and they never took the time out to fix it,” Timothy O’Malley said.

Director of Public Works Rob Kaczorowski agrees the spot on Mount Washington has needed attention for a while.

In fact, he said the design phase of a project to replace the wall was initially scheduled to begin this spring.

“Wyoming Street is being pushed up like I said, so there’s a couple other projects on the back burner that we feel aren’t as critical as Wyoming,” Kaczorowski said.

Repairing the retaining wall has become one of the city’s top priorities. The design should be complete by the end of this week. After that, construction will begin, weather permitting.

If an outside contractor does the work, it’s estimated to cost the city around $1 million.

Kaczorowski said the price tag will be less if city crews are able to complete the job.

In the meantime, the closure is an inconvenience for people who live nearby.

Some hope a new wall is just the beginning on good things for the neighborhood.

“I hope that they develop this and bring some jobs to the community, and help some people out that need helping,” O’Malley said.

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