PennDOT: $2M bridge replacement projects begin

Work is underway a nearly $2 million project to replace two bridges in Berks County, PennDOT announced.

Crews began replacing the structurally deficient Weavertown Road Bridge over a tributary to Monocacy Creek in Amity Township, and to replace the superstructure (beams and deck) on the structurally deficient Hay Creek Road (Scarlets Mill) Bridge over Hay Creek in Robeson Township.

Starting March 6, Weavertown Road will be closed and detoured between Limekiln and Geiger roads, and will remain closed for the duration of the project. The posted detour will utilize Limekiln Road, Monocacy Hill Road and Geiger Road. Motorists are advised to expect delays and use caution traveling through the area, according to PennDOT.

Also starting March 6, Hay Creek Road will be closed and detoured between White Bear and Furnace roads. The posted detour will utilize White Bear Road, Plow Road, PA Route 10 and Furnace Road, PennDOT said.

Motorists are advised to expect delays and use caution traveling on both de- tour routes.

All work on the Weavertown Road and Hay Creek Road bridges is scheduled to be complete in July. All schedules are subject to change, depending on weather conditions, PennDOT cautioned.

The Weavertown Road Bridge is a concrete slab bridge originally constructed in 1908. It is 11 feet long and 22 feet wide, and posted with a 15-ton weight restriction. The bridge will be replaced with a new concrete box culvert that will be 8 feet long and 23 feet 8 inches wide, and will have no weight restriction. This section of Weavertown Road has an average daily traffic volume of 1,284 vehicles, PennDOT said.

The Hay Creek Road Bridge is a pre-stressed concrete box beam bridge originally constructed in 1960. It is 106 feet long, 43 feet 5 inches wide, and posted with a 21-ton weight restriction. After the superstructure is replaced it will have no weight restriction. This section of Hay Creek Road has an average daily traffic volume of 907 vehicles.

J.D. Eckman Inc. of Atglen, Chester County is the general contractor on the $1.9 million project that also includes replacing the superstructure on the Smoketown Road Bridge over Little Sacony Creek in Rockland Township. Work on the Smoketown Road Bridge is anticipated to begin in late spring or early summer, according to PennDOT.