Overhead Bridge Construction on I-476 Northern Section Widening Project Begins this Month

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (12/15/2011)(readMedia)-- The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission announced today that construction to replace the bridge that carries Sumneytown Pike (State Route 63) over the Northeastern Extension (I-476) in Towamencin Township, Montgomery County, will begin this month. This is the third overhead bridge to be constructed in advance of the Turnpike's future northern section total reconstruction and widening project between Berks Road and Lansdale (A26-A31).

Similar to the bridge replacement projects at Walton Road and DeKalb Pike in the southern half of the 11-mile total reconstruction project, Sumneytown Pike will be completed in two stages. This allows the contractor to maintain one-lane of traffic in both directions, using no detours during construction.

Preparations for the demolition of the 55 year-old bridge will begin on Dec. 19 (weather permitting) reducing traffic along Sumneytown Pike to its long-term, single-lane configuration between Old Forty Foot Road (State Route 1006) and Towamencin Avenue. Additional work within the Turnpike's right-of-way includes tree and brush removal, utility relocation and installation of erosion and sedimentation control measures. Once completed excavation for the new structure will begin.

The Sumneytown Pike Bridge is located near the Lansdale Interchange (Exit #31). The project provides for the removal of a single-span steel bridge and the construction of a four-span concrete, multi-girder bridge. The contract includes reconstruction of Sumneytown Pike, improvements to Old Forty Foot Road, utility installations, drainage modifications, a temporary traffic signal on Sumneytown Pike, and signing and pavement markings.

The long-term traffic control signs on the Northeastern Extension establishing the work zone near the overhead bridge at milepost A30.6 will be installed after the first of the year. Shoulder widening of the Turnpike will be completed in the spring followed by lane width reductions and pier construction in the existing median. Motorists traveling the Turnpike should anticipate reduced speeds, lane closures, stoppages and overnight road closures when approaching the work area. Within the work zone, speed limits will be reduced to 55 mph and 40 mph when single-lane patterns are implemented.

Loftus Construction Inc., of Cinnaminson, N.J. was awarded the $12,485,000 contract to replace the bridge in October. In 2008, Loftus replaced the Bethel (southern section) and Kriebel (northern section) Road bridges, completing the design-build project on schedule. The contractor anticipates the new bridge will be completed by September 2013.

The Kriebel and Morris Road Bridges were the first of five overhead structures to be replaced in the northern section of the Turnpike's total reconstruction and widening project between Berks Road (milepost A26) and the Lansdale Interchange. Replacement of the Bustard Road Bridge and the Lansdale Interchange Ramp will be included in the Turnpike's contract to reconstruct and widen the Turnpike between milepost A26-A31 anticipated to start construction in 2014.

Questions or concerns about the Sumneytown Pike project can be directed to the project hotline at 1-877-855-2545. For additional information on the Northeastern Extension Total Reconstruction and Widening Project, visit the web site at www.paturnpike.com/ConstructionProjects/mpA20toA31. The Pennsylvania Turnpike urges the public to stay alert and travel at posted speed limits through all work zones.