Full Breakdown
Protection of Peregrine Falcons During Tarentum Bridge Rehabilitation
3/4/2026, 10:57:01 AM
Overview of the Construction Project
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is set to commence a $97.5 million rehabilitation project on the Tarentum Bridge in early 2027. This long-term construction effort will include significant repairs such as a new deck and sidewalk, steel and concrete repairs, and bearing replacements. The project is expected to require full closure of the bridge at certain times, with traffic rerouted through East Deer to New Kensington. Approximately 36,000 vehicles cross the bridge daily, necessitating careful planning to maintain traffic flow during construction.
Safeguarding Peregrine Falcons
A critical aspect of the rehabilitation project involves the protection of a peregrine falcon nest located under the bridge. This nest is one of six recorded in Allegheny County and plays a vital role in the species' local resurgence. PennDOT is collaborating with the Pennsylvania Game Commission to implement measures that will minimize disruption to the falcons during their nesting season, which runs from mid-February to July 31. Key mitigation strategies include prohibiting construction activities within 1,000 feet of the falcon nest until August 1, 2027, and ensuring the bridge is fully covered before February 15, 2028.
Historical Context of Peregrine Falcon Populations
Peregrine falcon populations faced severe declines in the early 1960s, leading to their extinction in Pennsylvania. They were placed on the federal endangered species list and were not removed until 1999. The species was delisted from the state’s endangered list in 2021, following successful breeding efforts, including those under the Tarentum Bridge, where a manmade nest box was installed in 2015 to facilitate monitoring and conservation efforts.
Community Involvement and Monitoring
Local residents, such as Harrison resident Dave Brooke, have actively participated in monitoring the falcons since 2018. Brooke noted that the female falcon is nearing the time to lay her eggs, with the nesting process expected to take about three months. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that construction does not interfere with this critical period, as the falcons have successfully fledged 27 chicks since they began nesting at the bridge.
Official Statements & Responses
Steve Cowan, a spokesman for PennDOT, stated that the agency is committed to working with the Pennsylvania Game Commission to incorporate methods that reduce impacts on the falcons during construction. Josh Zimmerman from the Game Commission highlighted the ongoing vulnerability of the species, despite their recent delisting, due to their reliance on human structures for nesting.
Criticism & Opposition
While the construction project aims to protect the falcons, some local advocates express concerns about potential disruptions during the nesting season. Brooke emphasized that the nesting process should not be interrupted by construction activities, underscoring the need for strict adherence to the mitigation plans.
Verbatim Quotes
- “PennDOT and the PA Game Commission will continue to work together to incorporate methods that reduces impacts to the falcons,” — Steve Cowan, PennDOT Spokesman
- “This is a full three-month process that shouldn’t be interrupted by whatever construction is being done,” — Dave Brooke, Falcon Monitor
- “Even though peregrines were delisted in 2021 in (Pennsylvania) by the game commission, the species is still vulnerable, as most nests occur on human structures,” — Josh Zimmerman, Pennsylvania Game Commission
The coordinated efforts between PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Game Commission aim to ensure the preservation of the peregrine falcon population while addressing the infrastructure needs of the Tarentum Bridge.
