HOUTZDALE – Work to rehabilitate a bridge on Route 253 in Gulich Township will start May 13.
When work is complete, PennDOT will remove the bridge from Clearfield County’s structurally deficient list. The repairs will also allow area drivers to enjoy safer travel on a bridge that will remain in service for many years to come.
The bridge spans Little Muddy Run near the village of Allemans in southern Clearfield County. The bridge was built in 1922, is 31 feet long and carries more than 1,000 vehicles each day.
Starting today, temporary traffic signals will be in flash mode in the construction zone. On May 13, bridge rehab work will begin and an alternating traffic pattern will be enforced as the temporary traffic signals become fully operational.
This bridge is one of five Clearfield County bridges on a $1.8 million rehabilitation contract with Swank Construction Company of New Kensington. Overall work includes substructure and superstructure repairs, new guide rail, and paving. All work is weather and schedule dependent.
Work on the Route 253 bridge is expected to last about six weeks. Work on two Route 255 bridges near Penfield is winding down and work on a Route 153 bridge near Houtzdale and a Route 729 bridge near Kerrmor will begin soon. PennDOT will issue an update on repair work progress as necessary.
Drivers are reminded to use caution through all construction zones, obey posted speed limits, and always buckle up.
Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24-hours-a-day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 680 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available by calling 5-1-1, and regional Twitter alerts are available on the 511PA Web site. Follow PennDOT on Twitter at www.twitter.com/511PAStateCOLL.