PennDOT providing online plans for bridge replacement project in Mercer County
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is encouraging Mercer County residents to view online plans for a bridge replacement project.
The bridge carries Route 19 over Johnston Run, also known as Hunters Run, in Springfield Township.
The proposed Route 19 Bridge Replacement Project includes replacing the existing steel single-span bridge with a single span concrete bridge. The new bridge will have two, 11-foot lanes and 5-foot shoulders, which is 6-feet narrower than the current bridge.
Work will also include new roadway approaches and updated guiderail and pavement markings.
The bridge is located on Route 19 adjacent to Rachel's Roadhouse restaurant and just north of Johnston's Tavern, a National Register-listed property and Section 4(f) resource, which most recently housed The Nuthouse Antiques and Primitives. Work, as proposed, will have the following temporary impacts on the property:
During construction, traffic control signs and devices may be placed on the shoulder of Route 19 in front of the property.
As the approach is paved, the driveway will have a minor drive adjustment to match the new roadway grade. This will be limited to gravel within last 15 feet of the driveway to create a smooth transition from driveway to road shoulder.
Work is expected to occur in during the 2024 or 2025 construction season, with bridge construction occurring for five to six months and a total project duration of nine months.
Traffic will be controlled by temporary signals using a single lane of alternating traffic. Access to Rachel's Roadhouse and the Johnston's Tavern property will be maintained throughout the entirety of construction.
The existing steel bridge was built in 1928. It is classified as poor condition. Approximately 3,000 vehicles a day use the bridge, on average.
The plans display for the Route 19 Bridge Replacement Project, which will be held online only, includes a handout with additional information on the historical resources, digital plans, and an online comment form.
It will be open until August 18, 2023, and can be accessed by visiting the PennDOT District 1 website.
The purpose of the plans display is to introduce the project and receive public input regarding any questions or concerns with the project and/or impacts to the Section 4(f) resource.
It is also an opportunity for the public to review and comment on the project's potential effect upon Cultural Resources pursuant to the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's 36 CFR Part 800 regulations implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
