Irvona Bridge Officially Dedicated as Mary Ellen Tiesi Memorial 9-11 Bridge

CLEARFIELD –PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch yesterday joined other state and local officials to officially name the Route 53 bridge in Irvona as the Mary Ellen Tiesi Memorial 9-11 Bridge in honor of Ms. Tiesi, who perished in the South Tower of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, while helping others exit the building.

“The tales of heroism from the tragic events that unfolded on that horrific day in 2001 have left their mark on all of us,” Schoch said. “Ms. Tiesi is not just a Pennsylvania hero but also a national hero, and by dedicating this bridge in her honor and memory, her name will forever stand as a testament to courage and bravery.”

Ms. Tiesi was the only person from Clearfield County lost in the attacks on the World Trade Center. Her uncle had worked on the construction of the previous bridge, which PennDOT replaced late last year with the current structure.

Governor Corbett signed the legislation, which authorized the renaming of the bridge early this year. Rep. Camille “Bud” George sponsored the original legislation, which authorized the bridge renaming.

New Enterprise Stone & Lime Company was the contractor on the $3.9 million bridge reconstruction project. The Mary Ellen Tiesi Memorial 9-11 Bridge is located approximately 70 feet upstream from where the previous bridge stood. PennDOT opened the new bridge to traffic in late 2011.