University Times

The Boulevard of the Allies bridge was opened Nov. 24, easing 18 months of traffic inconvenience at the west entrance to Oakland. Construction of the $29-million project to replace the deteriorating bridge and ramps began in April 2009.

In other transit news, representatives of the Port Authority of Allegheny County and leaders of the union that represents its 2,300 bus drivers and T operators announced a tentative agreement Nov. 25 that they said would prevent a work stoppage. Members of Local 85 of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) have been working without a contract since July 1. ATU rank-and-file workers still must ratify the agreement, which reportedly calls for a four-year contract. Union members are expected to meet Dec. 7 to discuss the details. Following a ratification vote, a special Port Authority board meeting will be called to review the agreement and vote on the pact, officials said.