PennDOT, crews celebrate early reopening of Route 318 Bridge in West Middlesex

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and construction crews held an event Friday morning to celebrate the early completion of a project to replace a bridge in West Middlesex.

The replacement of the bridge that carries Route 318 over I-376 in West Middlesex was originally set to wrap up in November. However, it was able to reopen a month ahead of schedule.

Mekis Construction Corp President and CEO Steve Reed says this project is one that his company is most proud of.

"We've done a lot of emergency projects here in [PennDOT] District 1, but this is one of them by far that the company is most proud of," Reed said.

Meanwhile, PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll is quoted in a press release stating roads like Route 318 are vital to the economic stability and quality of life of the communities they serve.

PennDOT District 1 Executive Brian McNulty is also quoted in the release praising PennDOT and the construction company for their collaboration efforts during the project.

"It took an immense amount of collaboration from our PennDOT staff and our consultant team to deliver the design in less than three months. That partnership approach continued into the construction phase allowing us to open the bridge much earlier than expected just over nine months after the crash," McNulty said.

The $5 million project began not long after a semi truck crashed into the bridge, damaging it and making it unsafe for people to drive under. 

The bridge now has higher clearance and improvements to the ramps on each side.