This bridge replacement project began in April, and US 209/West Broad Street has been closed and detoured since June 6 between South Railroad and South Lehigh streets.
During the closure, the detour for passenger vehicles is South Railroad Street, West Spruce Street and South Lehigh Street. The separate posted detour route for trucks is PA 309, PA 54, Interstate 81, and PA 61.
Work on the project includes replacing the old stone arch bridge with a pre-cast reinforced concrete arch culvert, new bridge roadway approaches, new line painting, Americans with Disabilities Act compliant curb ramps, and minor landscaping. Also, the passenger vehicle detour roads will be paved at the end of the project.
Motorists should expect sporadic daytime lane restrictions on US 209/West Broad Street between PA 309 and Hunter Street until the end of the project. Motorists should also anticipate delays and use caution driving through the area.
J.D. Eckman., Inc. of Atglen, Pa., is the general contractor on the $2,137,456 project that is expected to be complete in August 2019.
The old US 209 Bridge was constructed in 1912. It was 20 feet long, 30 feet wide and was posted with a 28-ton weight restriction. The new culvert is 18 feet 7-3/4 inches long, 51 feet 9 inches wide, and has no restrictions. This section of US 209 has an average daily traffic volume of 5,626 vehicles.