McKeesport, PA – Federal, state, and local leaders gathered today at the closed Versailles Avenue Viaduct in McKeesport to announce a $14.75 million investment to replace it and restore a critical connection for thousands of residents and commuters.
The nearly 300-foot-long bridge has been closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic since February 2022 after an inspection determined it was no longer safe. The closure has been an ongoing concern for residents, impacting access to key destinations, including the Carnegie Library of McKeesport, Twin Rivers Elementary-Middle School, McKeesport Little Theater, and other Sixth Ward locations. Many residents have described the bridge as an important connection between neighborhoods, with detours adding significant travel time and creating safety concerns along alternative routes.
The project will replace the existing bridge with a modern single-span structure and upgraded sidewalks to improve safety and accessibility. The approximately $14.75 million project is advancing through design, with key federal and state approvals expected later this year. Pending final design, utility, and right-of-way clearance, construction is anticipated to begin thereafter.
“This project represents progress for McKeesport residents who have been dealing with the impacts of this closure for too long,” said Senator Nick Pisciottano. “We’ve heard the concerns from the community, and today’s announcement shows that we are moving forward with a plan to restore this critical connection.”
Mayor Tom Maglicco emphasized the importance of the project to the local community, noting the daily challenges caused by the closure and the need to reconnect neighborhoods.
“The Versailles Avenue Viaduct is not just a structure, it is a connection between neighbors,” said McKeesport Mayor Tom Maglicco. “It represents access, opportunity, and unity. This is how people get to work, how families stay connected, and how communities grow stronger together. This is what revitalization looks like. This is what progress feels like. And this is just the beginning for McKeesport. We’re building more than bridges, we’re building a stronger McKeesport together.”
Congresswoman Summer Lee highlighted the role of federal partnership in advancing infrastructure investments that directly impact the daily lives of residents.
“Delivering federal dollars back home is one of the most important parts of this job,” said Congresswoman Summer Lee. “That is why I fought to secure nearly $1 million for the McKeesport-Versailles Viaduct project and the replacement of the Versailles Avenue Bridge. This project is about safety, connection, and making sure people in McKeesport can get where they need to go reliably every day. For too long, our communities have been forced to live with the consequences of disinvestment and neglect. This funding is a reminder that McKeesport matters, the Mon Valley matters, and the people who live and work here are worth investing in. I will keep fighting to bring resources home and make sure our communities always get the support they deserve.”
Representative Dan Goughnour emphasized the importance of the project in strengthening connections and building confidence in McKeesport’s future.
“Today is about something bigger than a bridge,” said Representative Dan Goughnour. “It’s about connection, safety, and the future of our community here in McKeesport. This project means safer travel, reliable access for our students and first responders, stronger connections for local businesses, and renewed confidence that McKeesport is moving forward.”
The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission noted the importance of regional planning and coordination in advancing major infrastructure projects like this one.
“When SPC met with McKeesport officials in 2022, we worked with PennDOT to have this bridge placed on our TIP, which is the formal way to prioritize a transportation project,” said Rich Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission. “Thanks to Congresswoman Lee, Senator Pisciottano, Representative Goughnour, and the added funding their advocacy brought, the new Versailles Avenue Bridge will be even better for McKeesport residents.”
Officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation were in attendance and available to answer questions from the media following the event.
“The department appreciates the partnership with our federal, state, and local officials involved on this nearly $15 million infrastructure investment in the City of McKeesport,” PennDOT District 11 Executive Jason Zang said. “This project will restore safe and efficient access on Versailles Avenue for the traveling public, local residents, and emergency services.”
Approximately 4,100 vehicles used the viaduct daily prior to its closure. Today’s announcement marks a significant step toward restoring safe, reliable access for residents, students, and visitors.
Watch the full announcement here.