McKeesport, Pennsylvania – April 1, 2026 – Federal, state and local leaders gathered today at the closed Versailles Avenue overpass in McKeesport to announce a $14.75 million investment to replace it and restore a key 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 found it was no longer sheltered. The closure is of ongoing concern to residents and impacts access to key sites including the McKeesport Carnegie Library, Twin Rivers Elementary and Middle School, McKeesport Little Theater and other Sixth Ward locations. Many residents described the bridge as an significant link between neighborhoods, with detours adding significant travel times and creating safety concerns on alternative routes.
The project will replace the existing bridge with a state-of-the-art single-span structure and upgraded sidewalks to improve safety and accessibility. The approximately $14.75 million project is in the design stages, with key federal and state approvals expected later this year. Construction work is expected to begin pending final design, infrastructure utilize permit and right-of-way.
“This project represents progress for McKeesport residents who have been struggling with the effects of this closure for too long,” he said Senator Nick Pisciottano. “We have heard the community’s concerns, 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 resulting from the closure and the need to reconnect neighborhoods.
“The viaduct on Versailles Avenue is not just a structure, it is a connection between neighbors,” he said McKeesport Mayor Tom Maglicco. “It represents access, opportunity and unity. It’s 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 are building more than bridges, together we are building a stronger McKeesport.”
Congresswoman Summer Lee emphasized the role of the federal partnership in supporting infrastructure investments that directly impact the everyday lives of residents.
“Getting federal dollars home is one of the most important parts of this job,” he said Congresswoman Summer Lee. “That’s why I fought to secure nearly $1 million for the McKeesport-Versailles Viaduct project and the Versailles Avenue Bridge replacement. This project is about safety, connection and ensuring that people in McKeesport can reliably get where they want to go 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 live are worth investing in job. I will continue to fight to bring resources home and ensure our communities always receive the support they deserve.”
Rep. 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,” he said Representative Dan Goughnour. “It’s about connectivity, 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 implementing immense infrastructure projects such as this one.
“When SPC met with McKeesport officials in 2022, we worked with PennDOT to place this bridge on our TIP, which is a formal way to establish transportation project priorities,” he said Rich Fitzgerald, executive director of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission. “Thanks to Congresswoman Lee, Senator Pisciottano, Representative Goughnour, and the additional funding brought by their support, the new Versailles Avenue Bridge will be even better for McKeesport residents.”
Officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation were on hand to answer questions from the media after the event.
“The Department appreciates the cooperation with federal, state and local officials involved in this nearly $15 million infrastructure investment in the City of McKeesport.” PennDOT District 11 Director Jason Zang he said. “This project will restore safe and efficient access to Avenue Versailles for travelers, local residents and emergency services.”
Before the viaduct was closed, approximately 4,100 vehicles used it daily. Today’s announcement is a significant step toward restoring sheltered and reliable access for residents, students and visitors.
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