IRVONA – PennDOT closed the state Route 53 Irvona Truss Bridge over Clearfield Creek Wednesday. The decision to close was made after an inspection of the bridge Tuesday. The bridge is inspected annually. Tuesday’s inspection revealed deterioration of the steel truss members. The bridge is 274 feet long, carries 4,412 vehicles a day, and was built in 1940.
An official detour is in place and directs drivers to use SR 729 to the village of Janesville, SR 253 to the village of Van Ormer and back to SR 53. The detour is approximately 40 miles in length. The bridge closure is expected to be in place until repairs can be made.