Trafford Veterans Memorial Bridge opens with ceremony, parade
The $11 million bridge was opened and unveiled to the public Saturday
Updated: 10:08 AM EDT Oct 28, 2013
Jackie Cain
Anchor & Reporter
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and elected officials were on hand Saturday morning to officially dedicate and open the new $11 million bridge that connects Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties over Turtle Creek.The Trafford Veterans Memorial Bridge opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony followed by a parade on the bridge, led by the Penn Trafford Warrior Marching Band. Residents cheered as the parade crossed the span that carries Route 130."The most important thing is that it's open," said Mary Dobos of Trafford.The parents of Sgt. First Class Robert Fike, who was killed while serving in Afghanistan in 2010, were recognized at Saturday's ceremony; they also took part in the parade.Members of the Trafford Veterans Memorial Bridge Committee said they felt it was important to recognize veterans on such a special day for the community."Hopefully we will really make a difference. This is something we depend on, as a bridge, connecting us to Monroeville and so we're really glad today," said committee member Larry George."I work at the hospital and it was hard going to work every morning and watching people trying to get around ," Trafford resident Lisa Babeo said.The previous bridge was built in 1964 but had become structurally deficient, according to officials. Even older, was a drum, reportedly from the Battle of Gettysburg that made its way through the area then and was brought back Saturday to mark the occasion by being played in the parade.The new span was made wider and eight light posts were added, according to PennDOT. Each light post displayed an American flag Saturday, but council members said they plan to change the displays as the seasons change.
Trafford, Pa. —
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and elected officials were on hand Saturday morning to officially dedicate and open the new $11 million bridge that connects Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties over Turtle Creek.
The Trafford Veterans Memorial Bridge opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony followed by a parade on the bridge, led by the Penn Trafford Warrior Marching Band. Residents cheered as the parade crossed the span that carries Route 130.
"The most important thing is that it's open," said Mary Dobos of Trafford.
The parents of Sgt. First Class Robert Fike, who was killed while serving in Afghanistan in 2010, were recognized at Saturday's ceremony; they also took part in the parade.
Members of the Trafford Veterans Memorial Bridge Committee said they felt it was important to recognize veterans on such a special day for the community.
"Hopefully we will really make a difference. This is something we depend on, as a bridge, connecting us to Monroeville and so we're really glad today," said committee member Larry George.
"I work at the hospital and it was hard going to work every morning and watching people trying to get around [the detour]," Trafford resident Lisa Babeo said.
The previous bridge was built in 1964 but had become structurally deficient, according to officials. Even older, was a drum, reportedly from the Battle of Gettysburg that made its way through the area then and was brought back Saturday to mark the occasion by being played in the parade.
The new span was made wider and eight light posts were added, according to PennDOT. Each light post displayed an American flag Saturday, but council members said they plan to change the displays as the seasons change.