Officials Work On Temporary Traffic Fix After Rankin Bridge Crash

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – It's been 24 hours since a car came off the Rankin Bridge, taking out the traffic signals and landing on two parked cars.

The driver, 69-year-old Ben-Frederick Carter, remains in critical condition in the intensive care unit of Mercy Hospital.

Originally from Turtle Creek, Carter now lives in Tampa, Fla.

"We have found out that he is under suspension in Florida, the cause we are not aware of," said Whitaker Police Chief John Vargo.

Carter's license was suspended Dec. 30, but Florida records aren't clear as to why.

"Hopefully he has some insurance," said Bob Ackerman with Bob's Autotorium. "We don't know what kind of insurance, but we don't like when people drive with a suspended license."

It's been a rough couple of days at Bob's Autotorium.

"We did no business yesterday and hardly any today," said Ackerman.

After a chaotic afternoon of driver confusion Wednesday, the county stepped in.

"The police took over traffic control, public works was in a supportive capacity and they did come out and put solar-based traffic signals there that we're going to maintain," said Allegheny County Manager William McKain.

PennDOT has been working with the signal people today on the timing of the lights, but the chief is worried about the rush hours and when Kennywood opens in a few weeks.

Whitaker must replace the fallen signal, which is expected to take nine months, so the temporary set-up is crucial.

"My big concern now is to find out how long we have this so I can know and be able to sleep knowing that we have it under control," said Whitaker Mayor David Sabol.

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