The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is currently performing preliminary engineering and environmental studies for a planned project to rehabilitate the existing National Register-Listed SR Route 462 Veterans Memorial Bridge (also known as the Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge). This bridge carries Route 462 over the Susquehanna River and is located in West Hempfield Township and Columbia Borough in Lancaster County and Wrightsville Borough in York County.
The purpose of the project is to ensure the structural adequacy and modern functionality of the bridge, including effective connections with adjacent intersections, and to provide for safe access and use by pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles.
The scope of work for the bridge rehabilitation includes deck and barriers replacement and strengthening and repairs to the bridge underside.
Five additional area enhancements have been identified to address specific needs and goals. These include:
- Connecting Route 462 Bike Route “S” (435 miles long) and pedestrians to Columbia Borough’s Northwest River Trail and River Park by adding wayfinding signs and pavement markings
- Connecting Route 462 Bike Route “S” and pedestrians to Wrightsville Borough’s Mason-Dixon Trail and Riverfront Park by adding wayfinding signs, pavement markings and sidewalk improvements
- Improving the Wrightsville Borough 5-point intersection of Route 462 and 624 (Hellam Street) with North and South Second Streets by constructing a roundabout at the western end of the bridge (during bridge detour phase)
- Adding an aesthetic and traffic calming median feature at the eastern end of the bridge on Route 462 at the North Second Street intersection with Rotary Park in Columbia Borough
- Potentially adding under-bridge lighting to help increase traveler safety due to the annual mayfly issue and enhance aesthetics of the historic bridge
The project is currently in the preliminary design phase, and work is anticipated to take place between the 2024 and 2028 construction seasons subject to all approvals, environmental clearances, and funding availability.