Detour will be lifted
PHILIPSBURG – A Route 53 bridge near Philipsburg is expected to reopen Friday, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).
The bridge spans Laurel Run on Route 53, just past the Harbor Inn. The repair work will improve the bridge from “poor” to “good” condition. PennDOT expects the bridge to reopen by late afternoon.
To expedite the repair work, a detour has been in place since late April. Once the bridge is opened to traffic on Friday, the detour along Route 322 and Ninth Street will be lifted.
Project work included removal of the existing deck, placement of a new concrete deck, beam repairs, barrier replacement, paving and guiderail updates.
The 59-foot bridge was built in 1958 and carries an average of more than 7,400 each day.
Completion of repair work is more than two months ahead of schedule.
This is the fourth bridge to see repair and preservation work under a contract covering seven structures in Clearfield County. Work on two bridges completed in 2018. Work on the remaining bridges will take place this year and next.
HRI Inc. of State College is the contractor for this $4.8 million contract. PennDOT reminds drivers to use caution in and around work zones, obey posted speed limits and always buckle up.
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