Port Authority officials are unsure how long a 5-ton weight restriction will be in place on the Center Avenue bridge in Emsworth, but Ben Avon officials are concerned that it may be long enough to result in damage to some of the borough’s side streets.

The weight restriction was posted Friday, May 14, after a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation inspection revealed areas of deterioration on two piers, according to Port Authority spokesperson Heather Pharo.

Pharo said that further analysis of the span is needed, and is likely to take several weeks.

Because of the weight limit, the bridge is now closed to heavy traffic such as Port Authority and Avonworth School District buses and firetrucks. The bridge remains open to regular vehicular traffic.

Port Authority buses from the 17B and 19L routes are being detoured along side streets in both boroughs and onto Ohio River Boulevard.

Ben Avon Council members, meeting Tuesday, questioned whether the borough could be reimbursed for any damage to streets and curbs caused by bus traffic on narrow side streets.

Solicitor Charles Means suggested documenting any damages that can be attributed to Port Authority buses.

Council voted unanimously to seek reimbursement from the Port Authority for any damages, and also to draft regulations that would prohibit buses from idling on borough streets.