The Pennsylvania Turnpike advises motorists that construction will soon begin on the replacement of the bridge that carries State Route 2035 (aka Suscon Road and Bear Creek Drive) across the Northeastern Extension (I-476) in Pittston Township, Luzerne County.
Preparation for the demolition of the 52 year-old bridge should begin mid-June, weather permitting, and the bridge-replacement work will require the bridge to be closed for six months. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has worked closely with state and local elected officials representing Pittston Township and the Borough of Dupont, along with PennDOT officials, during the design phase of this project. The final engineering plans were presented to the public at an Open House Plans Display in February.
Two weeks prior to the start of construction, the contractor will place signs that read: "this bridge to be closed for construction." During the closure, a 3.4-mile detour will be implemented directing traffic over Armstrong Road and Route 315. Properties adjacent to Suscon Road should not be affected by the closure. The work zone for the Suscon Road project will end where Suscon Road meets the bridge over Interstate 81. The new bridge and wider roadway will be open to traffic by Nov. 20.
Motorists traveling on the Northeastern Extension near the overhead bridge at milepost A115.33 should be prepared for ongoing construction. The demolition is expected to take place on July 12, and motorists should anticipate an overnight road closure between the Wyoming Valley (Exit #115) and Clarks Summit (Exit #131) Interchanges.
Susquehanna Valley Construction Co., New Cumberland, Pa., was awarded the $2.6 million contract to replace the bridge on May 5. With the award of the Suscon Road Bridge replacement, the Pennsylvania Turnpike now has more than $204 million in projects under construction between the Mid-County (Exit #20) and Clarks Summit (Exit #131) Interchanges. Other projects include replacement of the Lehigh River and Pohopoco Creek bridges, the rehabilitation of the northbound bridge carrying traffic over I-476 at the Mahoning Valley Interchange(Exit #74), and a design/build project for the replacement of the bridge carrying Route 903 over the turnpike - the first stage of a planned E-ZPass only interchange.
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 all project updates. Be in the know before you go and call 866.976.TRIP (866.976.8747).
King of Prussia, Pa. —
