Work on 'Structurally Deficient' Bridges to Begin April 9

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced Monday that work will begin April 9 to replace the superstructures -- decks and beams -- on two "structurally deficient" bridges on Route 191 in and Bethlehem townships.

"Structurally deficient" means the bridges require significant maintenance, repair or replacement, according to the group . It does not necessarily mean the bridges are unsafe, TFA says.

This work is designed to make the 54-year-old bridges, which are over the Monocacy Creek, last another 50 or more years.

One of the bridges is about a half-mile north of Route 22 in Bethlehem Township, and the other is about a quarter-mile farther north in Lower Nazareth Township.

This section of Route 191 has an average daily traffic volume of 15,507 vehicles.

The project will also include guiderail work, line painting, milling and paving of Route 191 between the two bridges, and other miscellaneous construction.

Beginning April 9, motorists should expect lane restrictions with flagging for about four days as workers perform shoulder work to accommodate lane shifts.

The work will be done between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

When the bridges are under construction, Route 191 will remain open to traffic with one 11-foot travel lane in each direction.

The bridge in Lower Nazareth is 106 feet long and 41 feet wide. It is concrete box beam bridge that was constructed in 1958. With the new superstructure, the bridge will be 106 feet long and 46 feet wide.

The bridge in Bethlehem Township is 164 feet long and 41 feet wide. It is a concrete box beam bridge that was also constructed in 1958. With the new superstructure, the bridge will be 164 feet long and 46 feet wide.

The general contractor on the $3,194,114 project is Road-Con Inc. of West Chester (Chester County).

The project is expected to be completed in November. All schedules are weather dependent.

Editor's Note: This information has been provided by PennDOT's district 5-0 press office.