Photo courtesy of Rory McGlasson.The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Plenary Walsh Keystone Partners (PWKP), PennDOT’s Rapid Bridge Replacement Project development partner, recently opened the new Yellow Breeches Creek Bridge, marking the 500th bridge completed using rapid bridge replacement. When completed, the multi-year project will allow PennDOT to remove 558 structures from its list of bridges rated in poor condition.
“We’ve all worked very hard on this innovative, complicated project that will speed the delivery of improved bridges across the state, especially in rural areas,” said PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards in a press release. “Both Governor Tom Wolf and I are committed to improving transportation to all areas of Pennsylvania, and this program is fulfilling that pledge.”
“This milestone completion is the latest result of proven partnerships across all levels of this historic project,” said David Casey, Heavy Civil President of Walsh Construction Co., in the press release. “From PennDOT and project stakeholders to construction teams, subcontractors, and residents, we are all working hand-in-hand to improve Pennsylvania’s infrastructure.”
“Marking the completion of the 500th bridge isn’t just a celebration for the Pennsylvania Rapid Bridge Replacement Project team, it’s a celebration of the collaboration, innovation, and dedication of everyone involved, including the dozens of communities that have seen new and improved infrastructure in their neighborhoods,” said Ed Dice, Head of Delivery, Plenary Group, in the press release.
Plenary Walsh Keystone Partners is tasked with financing, designing, constructing and maintaining the bridges under an $899 million design and construction contract. PennDOT will handle routine maintenance, such as snow plowing, debris removal, and incident first response.
The Rapid Bridge Replacement Project was created in 2013, when PennDOT was faced with an aging bridge inventory and limited funding and resources. P3 allows PennDOT to replace 558 of its bridges that are in poor condition more quickly. Plenary Group USA Ltd. and Walsh Investors, LLC, provide financing and long-term management; Walsh Construction Co. and Granite Construction Co. handle the construction; HDR, Inc., is the lead design firm; and Walsh Infrastructure Management will provide maintenance for 25 years after the bridges are complete.
