WASHINGTON (Feb. 7, 2024) — The National Transportation Safety Board will hold a virtual board meeting Feb. 21 to determine the probable cause of the collapse of the Forbes Avenue Bridge over Fern Hollow (also referred to as the Fern Hollow Bridge) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
On Jan. 28, 2022, the 447-foot-long bridge experienced a structural failure and fell approximately 100 feet into the park below. Six vehicles were on or near the bridge when it collapsed and four people sustained injuries. Investigators found corrosion, deterioration, and section loss on all four of the bridge’s legs due to the continual accumulation of water and debris. This finding led the NTSB in May to issue an early safety recommendation urging the Federal Highway Administration to develop a risk-based, data-driven process to identify, prioritize, and perform any incomplete follow-up actions on bridges with uncoated weathering steel components.
During the board meeting, the NTSB’s board will vote on the final findings, probable cause, and recommendations. The board will also vote on any changes to the draft final report.
Additional information is included in the public docket for the investigation. The docket includes factual information, including reports, interview transcripts, and other investigative materials.
Virtual Board Meeting
WHAT: A virtual NTSB board meeting on the Jan. 28, 2022, collapse of the Fern Hollow Bridge in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
WHO: NTSB investigative staff and board members
WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 9:30 a.m. Eastern time
HOW TO VIEW: A link to the webcast will be available shortly before the start of the meeting at
http://ntsb.windrosemedia.com/
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy will be available to media following the board meeting. Media wishing to speak with her should RSVP to [email protected].
To report an incident/accident or if you are a public safety agency, please call 1-844-373-9922 or 202-314-6290 to speak to a Watch Officer at the NTSB Response Operations Center (ROC) in Washington, DC (24/7).
