PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – A permanent fix to a sliding hillside along McArdle Roadway is taking a lot longer than expected.

Crews have been working on the hillside non-stop since a landslide back in the beginning of January. Unfortunately, that work won’t be ending for at least another month.

Workers are currently installing a wall and then rock nailers will be placed with another phase to follow after.

“The third step is to actually spray a concrete material called ‘gunite,’ that will seal the shale rock that is exposed to the weather,” Rob Kaczorowski said.

McArdle will remain closed through all the work and as early as next week, you’ll see another restriction.

One lane of Grandview Avenue will be closed while the wall is completed.

Although it is an inconvenience, the city said there is an upside to the slide happening.

While working, crews found a fracture in the rock that could have caused a dangerous situation if it was not discovered.

“It’s a blessing in disguise though as I say, because that fracture could have shifted and that whole rock ledge could have fell and who knows what would have happened. So, there are pluses and minuses to it,” Kaczorowski said.

Not only is the work happening on McArdle taking a lot longer, it’s also costing the city a lot more.

Originally, the city thought the project would cost $30,000. That number has jumped to $700,000.

“We’ll have to put our heads together and see if we can shift some money from projects that are on the books, but not projected to start until next year,” Kaczorowski said.

At this point, no other projects have been cut out completely because of McArdle.

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