Officials break ground for new bridge over Yough Reservoir
ADDISON TWP. – Brisk winds and chilly temperatures were not enough to deter state and local officials from gathering Thursday morning along the banks of the Youghiogheny Reservoir to hold a groundbreaking ceremony for a new $25 million bridge to carry Route 40 between Fayette and Somerset counties. The new bridge will be the third structure to carry traffic over the lake, with the first bridge built almost 200 years ago. Oftentimes, when the water level in the reservoir recedes enough, remnants of the old bridge are visible.
The arch design on the old bridge will be incorporated into the design of the new structure, which is slated for completion in February 2006.
Michael Dufalla, executive with the state Department of Transportation’s District 12, said a project of this magnitude will be a challenge for all parties involved, especially with the fluctuating water levels during the construction period.
“I think we are up to the challenge and we will work to get this project done right and done on time,” he said.
He said detours will not be necessary during construction of the new bridge, because the new structure will be built just north of the existing bridge. Other issues that factored into the mile-long project design are environmental and historical in nature, but all have been resolved to make sure the project moves ahead smoothly.
State Rep. Bob Bastian (R-Somerset) said the new bridge will be a “solid link” between the two counties, and he noted that similar bridges throughout the state are in need of repair or replacement.
“We need to replace bridges all over this area, and I appreciate this being the start,” he said.
State Sen. Richard Kasunic (D-Dunbar) said rebuilding this bridge will continue to join the two counties that are connected by the span and will improve the growing tourism industry in southwestern Pennsylvania.
Gary Hoffman, state deputy secretary for highway administration, said this project is important, particularly for this area, but for the entire state as PennDOT works to replace aging bridges, many with an average age of 55.
He highlighted some of the unique aspects that the new bridge will incorporate, including a viewing area at the eastern approach, exposed parapets and new “see-through” barriers to allow motorists to see the vistas as they are crossing the reservoir.
“With everyone on board, this will be a very successful project that will serve this community well here in southwest Pennsylvania,” Hoffman said.
The existing road is undergoing some temporary widening so that excavation and embankment work can happen in the months leading to bridge construction, which is slated to begin in February.
Work will also be suspended during the 84 Lumber Classic of Pennsylvania golf tournament at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa, to be held in September 2004 and 2005, to accommodate increased traffic on Route 40 for the event.
According to information distributed Thursday, the new bridge will be a steel girder structure 1,730 feet long and 47 feet wide. It will have two 12-foot lanes and a 10-foot shoulder on each side.
The intersection on the eastern side of the bridge will be improved and will include turning lanes for traffic approaching Lakeside Road and Marina Drive from both sides of Route 40.
Most of the work next year will include the placement of bridge abutments, drilled shafts and piers, and girders. Work probably will be suspended during the winter, and crews will place the deck and parapets and tie the new bridge into Route 40 in 2005.
HDR Engineering and Gannett Fleming designed the replacement bridge, while the contractor for the project is G.A. and F.C. Wagman Inc. from York.