Pittsburgh’s new Fern Hollow Bridge could be finished by the end of the year, but the collapse of the old Fern Hollow Bridge in January has left lingering damage to the valley below.
Upstream Pittsburgh, an environmental nonprofit, has received a $120,000 state grant that could help address that, said state Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Squirrel Hill.
The Commonwealth Financing Authority grant will go toward a five-year plan for bridge restoration and park rehabilitation. Upstream Pittsburgh will seek community input and produce a final report before spending the money.
The area below Fern Hollow Bridge is part of Frick Park, and includes hiking trails and a small dog park.
“It is absolutely critical that the public have input into the restoration of that area, and I applaud efforts to see that happen,” said Frankel, whose district includes the area around the bridge.
Upstream Pittsburgh manages the Nine-Mile Run watershed, which includes Fern Hollow Creek. The group’s website says its goals are to advocate for smart demolition practices and environmentally sensitive construction to protect the valley’s ecosystem. Upstream also wants to address stormwater runoff problems, replant native fauna to the valley and increase the park’s tree canopy.
