Begin Main Content Area

​Boot Road Bridge Replacement over Amtrak


Project Location


Overview

This project involves replacing the existing bridge that carries Boot Road over Amtrak. Proposed work also includes approach roadway reconstruction, guide rail and drainage improvements, and intersection improvements at the intersection of Boot Road and Quarry Road. 

The Boot Road bridge is currently posted for a 23-ton weight limit and carries approximately 11,954 vehicles per day.

Bridge Construction

Construction began on Thursday, October 12, on a $13.3 million project to replace the bridge that carries Boot Road over Amtrak in East Caln Township, Chester County.

PennDOT's contractor will remove and replace the 59-year-old, 193-foot three-span Boot Road bridge with a 105-foot single-span structure. The bridge width will remain the same at 38 feet and improvements will take place on the approach roads to the bridge. Construction also includes resurfacing, stormwater management, and guide rail installation.

In addition, the roadway profile will be raised slightly to provide additional clearance to Amtrak's facilities. The catenary system used to supply electricity to the railway system, which is currently attached to the bridge, will be re-profiled under the bridge.

To enhance traffic flow and safety, additional construction includes improvements at the adjacent Boot Road and Quarry Road Intersection. Work includes widening the roadway to incorporate left-turn lanes on three legs of the intersection, installing modernized traffic signals, and drainage improvements.

Traffic Impacts

Beginning, Thursday, October 12, through Friday, October 20, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, a periodic weekday lane closure will take place on Boot Road between Quarry Road and Southwind Lane for grubbing and tree trimming operations.

Following the grubbing, eastbound Boot Road will be closed and detoured between Quarry Road and Southwind Lane beginning Monday, October 30, through late November.

During the eastbound closure, motorists are directed to use westbound U.S. 322 (Brandywine Avenue), Business U.S. 30 (Lancaster Avenue), and Quarry Road. Trucks traveling eastbound are directed to use the posted detour. Westbound Boot Road traffic will be maintained for the duration of the construction period.

After eastbound Boot Road is reopened in late November, the roadway will remain open in both directions for approximately three months as work continues beneath the bridge. When stage two construction begins, eastbound Boot Road will be closed and detoured again for approximately 14 months.

AMTRAK (Keystone Line) and SEPTA (Paoli Thorndale Line) rail service are anticipated to continue without disruptions during construction.

As part of PennDOT's public outreach program, the department held a live virtual public meeting on Wednesday, October 18, to deliver a short presentation to update citizens on the upcoming traffic impacts and answer questions related to the project. The meeting recording can be viewed here