New trucks and training coming to Pittsburgh after last weekend’s massive snowstorm

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Snow coats the trees and cars in Edwards, Colo., Wednesday, March 22, 2023. The new snow was wet and heavy. (Chris Dillmann/Vail Daily via AP)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor recently met with public works to talk about the snowstorm last weekend and noted that new trucks and training will be on the way. The hope for the Steel City is to have 50 new trucks by next winter. People are asked to get their sidewalks clear if they have not completed that yet. The cost of bringing in contractors has not yet been determinedThe office of Mayor O’Connor will have to get that cost over to the Pittsburgh city council. 

PPG introduces PPG STEELGUARD 652 coating for interior structural steel

(Photo Courtesy of the Associated Press and Business Wire: Caption for Photo: PPG introduces PPG STEELGUARD® 652 waterborne coating for interior structural steel.)

PITTSBURGH–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Feb 2, 2026– PPG (NYSE: PPG) today announced the launch of PPG STEELGUARD® 652 high-performance, water-based intumescent fire protection coating designed specifically for interior general-purpose structural steelwork. Available in North America, the product combines long-lasting protection and aesthetic appeal.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260202645207/en/

PPG introduces PPG STEELGUARD® 652 waterborne coating for interior structural steel.

PPG Steelguard 652 cellulosic passive fire protection (PFP) coating delivers up to two hours of fire protection. Its United Laboratories (UL) 263 certification gives architects, engineers and building owners confidence in the coating’s performance and compliance with industry standards. The low volatile organic compounds (VOC) waterborne formulation supports more sustainable construction practices.

Key features of PPG Steelguard 652 coating include:

  • Long-lasting protection, offering up to 20 years of performance
  • Proven for up to two hours of fire protection
  • UL 263 certified
  • Low VOC emissions allow efficient trade stacking at complex construction sites
  • Easy on-site application with standard PFP airless spray equipment ensures smooth, consistent coverage

“PPG Steelguard 652 coating expands our range of certified solutions for North American projects and reflects our ongoing commitment to fire protection innovation,” said Richard Mann, PPG global product development director, fire protection, Protective and Marine Coatings. “It stands out for its innovative fire performance and physical properties, including low certified thickness, high bond strength and high impact resistance, providing lasting durability for up to 20 years.”

PPG’s Protective and Marine Coatings business offers technical support and additional product options to meet diverse project demands. For more information about PPG Steelguard 652 coating and other fire protection solutions, visit ppgpmc.com.

AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report: Gas prices rise eight cents in Western Pennsylvania this week

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of AAA East Central)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Gas prices are eight cents higher in Western Pennsylvania this week at about $3.22 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report. The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is now $2.87. The report states that the average price for a gallon of gas in Western Pennsylvania at this time a year ago was around $3.50 and the average price that you can expect for a gallon of unleaded gas here in Beaver County is about $3.24. According to a release from AAA East Central and AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report, here are the average prices of unleaded self-serve gasoline this week in various Pennsylvania areas:

$3.231      Altoona
$3.243      Beaver
$3.292      Bradford
$2.076      Brookville
$3.234      Butler
$3.175      Clarion
$3.245      DuBois
$3.229      Erie
$3.261      Greensburg
$3.180      Indiana
$3.240      Jeannette
$3.251      Kittanning
$3.089      Latrobe
$3.280      Meadville
$3.238      Mercer
$3.085      New Castle
$3.233      New Kensington
$3.299      Oil City
$3.198      Pittsburgh
$3.053      Sharon

$3.263      Uniontown
$3.425      Warren
$3.211      Washington

Industry man arrested for concealing drugs in his private area in Aliquippa

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Aliquippa, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Beaver reported via release today that thirty-one-year-old Zackarie Mitchell of Industry was arrested for drug possession in Aliquippa early yesterday morning. This happened along Bet Tech Drive and Woodlawn Road at 1:18 a.m. According to police, PSP Beaver responded to the Beaver County Jail in reference to Mitchell concealing drugs and paraphernalia in his privates. Charges against Mitchell are pending. 

Three years have passed since the dangerous Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine

(File Photo: Source for Photo: A view of the scene Feb. 24, 2023, as the cleanup continues at the site of of a Norfolk Southern freight train derailment that happened on Feb. 3 in East Palestine, Ohio. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said Monday, March 6, 2023 that Norfolk Southern has pledged several million dollars to cover the cost of the response and recovery in Pennsylvania after last month’s derailment of a train carrying toxic chemicals just across the border in Ohio. (AP Photo/Matt Freed, file)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(East Palestine, OH) Today is the three-year anniversary of the massive Norfolk Southern train derailment that occurred in East Palestine, Ohio. Over three dozen freight cars of a train that was carrying hazardous materials derailed near East Palestine close to the Pennsylvania line. The derailment prompted an evacuation immediately and the intentional burning of toxic vinyl chloride that occurred three days later sent flames and acrid smoke in the air. There is a dashboard from Norfolk Southern called “Making It Right” which outlines several financial commitments, including a $600 million settlement reached in 2024. The company has also allocated funds of $115 million for support in the East Palestine community, as well as $25 million for a city park revitalization project, along with $22.2 million for direct assistance to local families. 

Multi-vehicle crash temporarily shuts down the northbound lanes of Route 28

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Cars)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) A multi-vehicle crash temporarily shut down the northbound lanes of Route 28 in Pittsburgh yesterday morning. The interstate was closed to traffic for about an hour until around 10:15 a.m. at the 31st Street Bridge/Strip District exit. One vehicle appeared to have flipped onto its roof on footage on traffic cameras. It’s unknown at this time if anyone was injured in the crash or the details about the cause of the crash.

Route 3087 Thorn Run Road Traffic Stoppages Tuesday in Moon Township

(File Photo: Caption for Photo: PennDOT, PSP, PTC, Construction Industry Highlight National Work Zone Awareness Week)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Moon Township, PA) PennDOT District 11 announced that intermittent traffic stoppages on Thorn Run Road (Route 3087) in Moon Township will occur today, weather permitting. From 9 A.M. to 3 P.M., intermittent traffic stoppages of 15 minutes or less will occur on Thorn Run Road between University Boulevard and Old Thorn Run Road as crews from the Duquesne Light Company will conduct wire replacement work there. 

McKeesport-Duquesne Bridge Inspection Tuesday in Allegheny County

(File Photo of Road Work Ahead Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) PennDOT District 11 announced that inspection activities on the McKeesport-Duquesne Bridge, which carries Route 2114 over the Monongahela River in the cities of McKeesport and Duquesne will occur today, weather permitting. As needed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., single-lane alternating traffic will occur on the McKeesport-Duquesne Bridge as crews from HDR, Inc. and the Sofis Rigging Company will conduct inspection activities there. 

Crash occurs near Heritage Valley Beaver

(File Photo of a Police Siren Light)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver, PA) A crash happened this morning near Heritage Valley Beaver. It backed up traffic in the area. There were at least two people affected by the crash. That is all the information that we have at this time.

Peoples Natural Gas Promotes Heating Assistance Support Programs on National Energy Assistance Day

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of People’s Natural Gas)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Today is National Energy Assistance Day, and Peoples Natural Gas urges its customers to explore assistance programs that are available now that can help manage monthly bills. According to a release in Pittsburgh today from People’s Natural Gas, several programs to help customers keep their homes warm and manage their monthly bills can vbe found below:

  • Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Click here to find out more – A federally funded, state-run grant program that makes payments directly to Peoples on a customer’s behalf. Customers experiencing a heating crisis, such as broken heating equipment or a utility shut-off notice, may be eligible for additional funds through LIHEAP. Applications are open through April 10, 2026 or until funds are exhausted

 

  • Customers can check eligibility for various programs using the income guidelines chart below:
  • (Photo Below Provided with Release Courtesy of People’s Natural Gas)

 

 

 

You can learn more about these programs and apply by either calling 1-800-400-WARM (9276)  by visiting peoples-gas.com/help by clicking here.