The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today the removal of a portion of the bridge that carries Route 318 over Interstate 376 in Shenango Township, Mercer County. The bridge deck and three of the beams sustained substantial damage after being struck by a semi-truck in the morning of December 7, 2023.
In response to the crash, PennDOT maintenance crews shut down Route 318 as well as I-376 eastbound near the bridge. A department bridge inspection crew visited the site within an hour of the crash to assess the damage.
For the safety of traffic traveling eastbound under the bridge, it was determined the damaged portion of the bridge should be removed.
Mekis Construction of Fenelton, PA has been contracted to remove the bridge. They will move equipment on site today and begin the demolition process tomorrow, December 8, 2023.
Interstate 376 eastbound will remain closed until the removal is complete, which is expected to be within a week. Traffic is being detoured off the interstate right before the bridge and reenters the interstate at the nearby on-ramp.
A reopening date for Route 318 will be determined once PennDOT officials decide on the next steps to either repair or replace the entire structure. The detour for Route 318 is posted using Route 18 and Interstate I-376 westbound.
The 218-foot bridge was built in 1966. Prior to the crash, it was rated in fair condition. It is used by approximately 3,200 vehicles a day, on average.
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Information about infrastructure in District 1, including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.pa.gov/D1Results. Find PennDOT's planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov.
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PennDOT District 1 is hiring for variety of positions, including CDL operators, mechanics, highway maintenance workers, civil engineers, construction inspectors, and transportation technicians. Apply online at www.employment.pa.gov.
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Contact: Jill Harry, 814-678-5035 or jharry@pa.gov