PennDOT reviews bridge plans
JEFFERSON TWP. – PennDOT is developing a construction plan for the replacement of the bridge that carries state Route 4027 Section A10 over Little Redstone Creek in Jefferson Township. In order to familiarize people with the project, PennDOT displayed its plans at the Jefferson Township building Wednesday night and gave area residents a chance to ask questions and give feedback.
Although PennDOT officials believe that property owners are well aware that the project will be taking place, they say they always try to offer the opportunity for questions and comments.
“When we are working on projects such as these we like to set out our plans for local people to see, and answer any questions they might have,” said William Beaumariage, civil engineer manager from PennDOT.
Beaumariage said the bridge is only one lane, and plans are to put in a wider bridge with two lanes to make travel across the bridge easier.
“We’re going to replace the bridge, making it two lanes wide, with shoulders,” said Beaumariage.
It is a state-funded project that will begin in the spring of 2003.
“Contractors will begin work in mid-May and we are anticipating that the bridge will be completed in the fall,” said Beaumariage.
He explained that it is common for PennDOT to work on the replacement of one lane bridges and bridges that have been closed.
“We like to replace all closed bridges,” said Beaumariage.
Other bridges that have recently been replaced are on Rubles Mill Road in Smithfield, the Confluence Bridge, and the Scenery Hill Bridge.
The fire department and township supervisors attended the presentation because of expected detours.
“There will be a detour here and we want to notify all emergency services,” said Beaumariage. The detour will be via Brownsville road while the bridge is under construction.