In this era of heightened awareness of the fragility of our infrastructure, anything that could remotely cause alarm takes top priority. Here's some information about the closure of Bakerstown Road in West Deer Township.

From a PennDOT release:

Bakerstown Road Closed Until Further Notice in West Deer Township

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is announcing Bakerstown Road (Route 1028) will be closed until further notice at the intersection with Saxonburg Road (Route 1013) in West Deer Township, Allegheny County, beginning at approximately 3 p.m. this afternoon, Thursday, Oct. 1.

The closure is necessary as a safety precaution after PennDOT bridge inspectors found significant deterioration on the bridge’s gusset plates and a floor beam. The bridge carries Bakertown Road over B. & L.E. railroad tracks. The bridge, known as the Culmerville Truss, is owned by the railroad company, not PennDOT. The 135-foot long, single span deck truss bridge was built in 1921 and last rehabilitated in 1991.

Signs will be posted to guide motorists while the bridge remains closed until necessary repairs can be made by the railroad company. About 4,438 vehicles use Bakerstown Road in this area on an average day.

Posted detour:

From west

• Take Saxonburg Boulevard south to East Union Road (Route 1025)
• Turn left onto East Union Road and follow to Starr Road (Route 1026).
• Turn left onto Starr Road to Russellton Road (Route 1015)
• Take left onto Russellton Road and follow north back to Bakerstown Road

From east

• Use same detour in opposite direction