The wait is over: Roberto Clemente Bridge reopens

After being shut down for nearly two full years the Clemente Bridge is officially reopened. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on New Year’s Eve – the anniversary of Roberto Clemente’s death.

“The reopening of the Roberto Clemente Bridge is not just a significant event for the city, but it symbolizes so much more to Dad’s fans,” said Roberto Clemente Jr.

Clemente Jr. spoke at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. He said fans far and wide are connected to his dad’s legacy – and the bridge is a physical connection to him, his compassion, and resilience – even 51 years after his untimely death.

“The bridge represents the bridge between generations, cultures, and the power of sports to unite people,” Clemente Jr. said. “The reopening of the bridge signifies a renewed commitment to honor the legacy of a man who inspired millions, and is a testament to the enduring impact of Dad’s life and the values he stood for.”

The three sister bridges started being renovated in 2016. They were upgraded one by one, at a total cost of nearly $86 million. The renovations included new paint jobs, installing new bridge decks, making repairs to the supports, and cutting off thousands of so-called “love locks” that couples placed on the Clemente Bridge’s fencing.

People like Renee Wright are happy to have it back.

“We are super excited. We would come and meet here all the time to run and then when the bridge closed. We had to re-route, change up our routes, but now it’s back open,” Wright said. “We can walk, we can run. It’s beautiful, definitely beautiful. We love it. We’re Pittsburghers!”

Clemente Jr. hopes the bridge will continue to serve as a symbol of his late father’s values of love and compassion.

“Let us carry these values with us as we continue to build bridges of understanding and unity in our lives,” he said.

One thing many people have missed over the past two years was walking across the bridge from downtown to PNC Park for a Pirates game. The first chance for fans to do that this year is April 5 for the home opener.

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