City, University of Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation officials gathered with community leaders yesterday to unveil a plaque beneath the new Boulevard of the Allies Bridge in Oakland.

The $29.1 million bridge opened in November after what G. Reynolds Clark, a Pitt vice chancellor, described as "an incredible journey that lasted over seven years."

Mr. Clark, PennDOT District Executive Dan Cessna and city Public Works Director Guy Costa praised the collaboration that produced several aesthetic enhancements to the bridge, including 14-foot sculpted eagles, landscaping and decorative lighting.

The plaque calls the new bridge "A Gateway to Oakland" and notes "the exemplary community partnership that guided the design and reconstruction of this bridge."

The bridge carries the Boulevard of the Allies over Forbes Avenue. It replaced a deteriorated span that was built in 1928. Plaques from the old bridge were refurbished and placed on the wall under the new span, flanking the marker that was unveiled yesterday.