Work begins on last two of 6-span Pa. bridge replacement project

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) plans to replace two bridges over Interstate 78 in Berks County, Berks-Mont News reports. The bridges, State Route 4011/Mountain Road Bridge in Shartlesville and the State Route 183 Bridge in Strausstown, are being replaced as part of a $38 million contract to replace six bridges over Interstate 78. The other four have already been replaced.

“The bridges are being replaced to provide a minimum under-clearance of 16 feet, 6 inches,” Ronald J. Young, Jr., PennDOT Engineering District 5, told the news agency. “The State Route 4011/Mountain Road Bridge contractor has begun work on the ramps at Exit 23. Portions of the ramps are restricted to 11-feet wide and will remain this way throughout construction. This bridge has a fair amount of work on the ramps at Exit 23, which will continue until the bridge demolition begins. Starting the week of July 10, the contractor expects to begin demolition operations on the Mountain Road Bridge over I-78. At this point, the bridge will be closed and will be reconstructed.”

Work on State Route 4011/Mountain Road is expected to be finished by the end of August. 2017. Work to replace the State Route 183 Bridge is expected to begin shortly after Labor Day and last approximately 40 days.