Bridge Replacement Project Soon Begins on Turnpike in Bucks County

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (10/01/2010)(readMedia)-- The Pennsylvania Turnpike advises motorists that construction will soon begin on the replacement of the two overhead bridges which carry Galloway Road (SR 2023) and Bristol-Oxford Valley Road (SR 2029) above the Turnpike mainline (I-276) in Bensalem and Bristol Townships, Bucks County.

Part of the Pennsylvania Turnpike/Interstate 95 Interchange Project, the first stage of construction requires the overhead bridges to be lengthened to allow for the future widening of the Pennsylvania Turnpike underneath. The Galloway Road Bridge is located at milepost 353, approximately 2 miles east of the Bensalem Interchange (Exit 351). The Bristol-Oxford Valley Road Bridge is at milepost 357, less than 1 mile west of the Delaware Valley Interchange (Exit 358).

James J. Anderson Construction Co., Philadelphia, was awarded the $9.7 million Turnpike-funded contract to replace the bridges on Sept. 7 and will construct both bridges simultaneously. Preparations for the demolition of the two steel bridges, originally built in 1957, are scheduled to begin early this month. The new bridges will be constructed on their current alignment which requires both roads to be closed and detoured until November 2011.

During the design phase of this project, coordination meetings were held with PennDOT, SEPTA, Bensalem and Bristol Township officials, and local school districts, to discuss the PennDOT approved detour's impact to the surrounding communities.

Detours are scheduled to begin on Oct. 25 for Bristol-Oxford Valley Road and on Nov. 15 for Galloway Road. Information on the approved detour routes, future construction updates, bus routes, and travel advisories, are easily accessed through the Pennsylvania Turnpike's homepage at www.paturnpike.com. Under "Quick Links" click on Major Design and Construction Projects then select I-95 Interchange (Traffic Cone H).

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is committed to distributing complete, accurate and consistent travel information and providing exceptional customer service. Visit the PA Turnpike website at www.paturnpike.com for project updates. Be in the know before you go and call 866.976.TRIP (866.976.8747).