A statement from LIUNA Vice President and Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager Dennis L. Martire on the bridge that collapsed in Pittsburgh today

Pittsburgh, Pa. (January 28, 2022) - The collapse of the Forbes Avenue Bridge in Pittsburgh is a dire reminder of the importance of President Biden’s recently signed bipartisan infrastructure law and the need to invest in our nation’s bridges. The bridge just passed the 50-year-old mark, which is the average lifespan of a bridge in our nation, and for more than a decade, according to news reports, the bridge has been rated in 'poor' condition by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Bridge Inventory. The collapse injured at least 10 people. We offer our best wishes for their speedy recovery.

The American Society of Civil Engineers grades Pennsylvania bridges a D+, with 4,173 in poor condition. Across the nation, there are 46,154 such bridges. Recently approved infrastructure investment must be put into action quickly to prevent further deterioration with potentially more tragic consequences. The hard-working men and women of LIUNA in Pittsburgh and across the country are ready, willing and able to get to work as fast as possible to protect public safety and save our bridges.