A bit of good news for motorists that use Interstate 376 near Shenango Township, because demolition of the Route 318 bridge was ahead of schedule, all lanes have reopened.

The highway was closed between exit 1C near West Middlesex and the nearby onramp while demolition and clean-up work was done at the bridge, which carries Route 318 over I-376.

The bridge was struck by the boom of a truck traveling I-376 eastbound on December 7 and sustained substantial damage. 

That portion of the bridge was removed earlier in the year. Crews worked to remove the remainder of the bridge this weekend.

Work was expected to be completed early Monday morning but crews worked overnight and finished early.

Construction of the new bridge on 318 is expected to begin sometime this week so more lane restrictions on I-376 are expected.

The new bridge will have a higher clearance than the former bridge built in 1966 — which was 14 feet, 2 inches and the new bridge will have clearance of 16 feet, 6 inches.

Construction is expected to be completed by November 2024.