Nov 10, 2009 By Amy Revak 1 min read

Plans to demolish the old Point Marion Bridge on Monday were scrapped after safety concerns about the explosion arose, according to the state Department of Transportation. Valerie Petersen, community relations coordinator for PennDOT District 12, said a decision was made to postpone the demolition of the old bridge after inspections over the weekend by a contractor preparing to demolish the decades-old decaying bridge.

The bridge, which was recently replaced by a new bridge that carries traffic over Route 88 across the Monongahela River between Fayette and Greene counties, was slated for demolition between 7 a.m. and noon on Monday.

Petersen said additional weight would be removed from the bridge before it can be demolished, and once a new date is determined, it will be announced.

The new date is expected to be sometime later this month.

During the demolition process there will be a mandatory 800-foot safety zone surrounding the demolition area. This necessitates the closure of the bridge, pedestrian walkway and surrounding roadway.

A marked detour has been established that utilizes Route 88, Route 21 and Route 166.

PennDOT reminds motorists they can log on to 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions before heading out.