Route 318 Bridge Replacement Project
Project Overview
This project is to replace the bridge that carries Route 318 over Interstate 376 in Mercer County.
The bridge was struck by the boom of a truck on the morning of December 7, 2023 and sustained substantial damage. For the safety of traffic traveling eastbound under the bridge, it was determined the damaged portion of the bridge should be removed as soon as possible. The spans over the westbound lanes remain intact.
Bids for the contract to remove the remaining portion of the bridge and replace the entire structure were accepted from February 29 to March 14, 2024. Five bids were received. Additional steps by the apparent low bidder must be completed before the contract is officially awarded.
Once that step is complete, a work schedule, including a start date, will be confirmed by PennDOT and the contractor.
The new bridge will have a higher vertical clearance of approximately 2 feet and will meet the current highway standards. It will be built at a similar roadway alignment as the former bridge.
The project will also include reconstruction of a portion of three of the interchange ramps, drainage upgrades, guiderail replacement, roadside signage, and pavement markings. Minor shoulder improvements and roadway repairs to Interstate 376 under the new bridge will also be completed.
The bridge is located east of West Middlesex Borough and was built in 1966. Prior to the crash, it was rated in fair condition and was posted at 14 feet, 2 inches. It was used by approximately 3,200 vehicles a day, on average.
Traffic Impacts
A detour is currently in place for Route 318 traffic due to removal of the portion over the eastbound lanes of I-376. It is posted using Route 18 and Interstate 376 and will remain in place during construction.
Near the end of the project, short-term detours of the ramps are anticipated in order to complete reconstruction work.
A short-term closure of the westbound lanes of Interstate 376 will be needed to remove the remaining span of the bridge. A detour will be posted using off- and on-ramps near the bridge. Otherwise, short-term lane closures on Interstate 376 may be needed for certain construction activities.
Project Updates
4-21-24
All lanes of Interstate 376 near the Route 318 bridge in Shenango Township, Mercer County are reopened as work to remove the structure was completed early.
The highway was closed between Exit 1C (Route 318, West Middlesex) and the nearby onramp while demolition and clean-up work was done at the bridge that carries Route 318 over the I-376. It closed at 7:00 PM on Friday, April 19.
It was expected to reopen by 5:00 AM Monday, April 22, but crews were able to work overnight and complete the work early.
The westbound lanes opened at approximately 3:00 AM today and the eastbound lane restriction was lifted before 6:00 AM.
With removal of the bridge finished, including the pier in between the eastbound and westbound lanes, work to construct a new bridge will begin this week.
4-19-24
PennDOT is reminding drivers that the westbound lanes of Interstate 376 will be closed near the Route 318 bridge in Shenango Township, Mercer County starting at 7:00 PM today, April 19.
Traffic on I-376 westbound will be detoured at Exit 1C (Route 318, West Middlesex) right before the bridge and will reenter the interstate at the nearby on-ramp. Drivers should anticipate slowdowns in that area and be alert for stopped traffic on the exit.
A flagger will be posted on Route 318 near the bridge to assist with minimizing backups and stopping traffic as needed.
Drivers may also encounter temporary lane restrictions on I-376 eastbound as needed over the weekend.
I-376 westbound is scheduled to be reopened by 5:00 AM Monday, April 22.