PennDOT responds to bridge closure

State Sen. Andy Dinniman said Wednesday that PennDOT officials have responded to his request for assistance with the traffic congestion issues and significant costs associated with the closure of the Route 23 (Valley Forge Road) Bridge.

According to PennDOT officials, traffic engineers have visited the site to adjust the timing of traffic signals at key intersections to alleviate congestion issues. In addition, $30,000 for police coverage associated with the detour is provided in the construction contract.

“I appreciate PennDOT’s timely response to this issue,” Dinniman said. “The Route 23 Bridge is traveled by thousands of motorists each day and remains a vital thoroughfare for residents and businesses in the Phoenixville area. I am committed to continuing to work with PennDOT to ensure that this project is completed as safely, as efficiently and as soon as possible.”

Crews are currently in the process of replacing the 48-year-old bridge, which spans the Pickering Creek, and is traveled by almost 20,000 motorists a day. Construction on the $1.7 million project began on April 20 and is not scheduled to be completed until late this year.

Dinniman said the bridge’s closure has been a major problem for motorists and his office has received complaints from hundreds of drivers who have been stuck in traffic on the detour.

“I will continue to work with PennDOT officials and municipal leaders to see if we can expand the work hours on this project to expedite the bridge’s completion,” Dinniman said. “In addition, we need to look at alternative routes for detours, while enforcing regulations to ensure that tractor trailers are following the traffic patterns reserved for commercial vehicles.”