Keep this bridge closed!

Post-Gazette reader and Route 28 denizen Christopher R. writes to say PennDOT should leave the 31st Street Bridge closed until it finishes the mega-rebuild of Route 28 in 2014. Some followers of the "I Hate Route 28" page on Facebook also have observed that traffic seems to move much better with the bridge closed. Christopher takes it a step farther, saying the exit from Washington's Landing to outbound Route 28 is faster using the detour than waiting at the long light at the 31st Street Bridge.

"PennDOT should leave the bridge access closed until they complete the overpass a couple of years from now," he said.

PennDOT is not actively considering that option, spokesman Jim Struzzi said. The bridge is scheduled to reopen Aug. 5 but it will close again in fall 2011, this time for nearly three years.

PennDOT's 25-page preview of the Route 28 project can be viewed here (then click on "Route 28 Improvements" on the right side of the page).

Photo: 31st Street interchange of the future, from PennDOT