SR462 Columbia Wrightsville Bridge
Overview
The Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge (also known as the Veterans Memorial Bridge or Route 462 Bridge) was opened to traffic in 1930 and connects York and Lancaster Counties along Route 462 over the Susquehanna River. The bridge contains 48 spans, is 1.26 miles long and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to vehicular traffic, the bridge is open to pedestrians and cyclists and serves as PA Bike Route S.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) propose a comprehensive bridge rehabilitation project. Studies of the bridge began in 2016, and the scope of work for the project includes:
- Addressing structural deficiencies on the bridge, which naturally occur over time
- Improving connections for cyclists and pedestrians accessing Columbia Borough’s Northwest River Trail and River Park by adding wayfinding signs and pavement markings
- Improving connections for cyclists and pedestrians accessing Wrightsville Borough’s Mason-Dixon Trail and Riverfront Park by adding wayfinding signs, pavement markings and sidewalk improvements
- Improving the Wrightsville Borough five-point intersection of Routes 462 and 624 (Hellam Street) with North and South 2nd Streets by constructing a roundabout
- Adding a traffic-calming central median at the eastern end of the bridge on Route 462 at the North 2nd Street intersection
- Providing lighting improvements above the bridge deck to enhance traveler safety during the annual mayfly season
The project was scheduled to begin construction in Spring 2024; however, structural deficiencies were identified during a bi-annual bridge inspection in June 2023. As a result, PennDOT posted a 10-ton weight restriction on the bridge and concurrently began developing an “interim bridge repairs” project. This interim project will improve areas of concern and was released for construction bid in February 2024. Construction work is anticipated to begin in Spring 2024 and last through late Summer 2024. To learn more about the interim bridge repairs, please view the resources section of this website.
As a result of the significant change in the condition of the bridge, PennDOT is revising the project scope to include more extensive rehabilitation. The major bridge rehabilitation is delayed until PennDOT and FHWA complete additional engineering and environmental evaluation studies for the long-term rehabilitation of the bridge. To learn more about the project, its history and the future rehabilitation, please view the resources section of this website.
PennDOT will announce additional public input sessions for the long-term bridge rehabilitation project in the spring/summer of 2024. The bridge rehabilitation project is anticipated to begin in Winter/Spring 2027 subject to all approvals, environmental clearances, and funding availability.
Please check back again in the future for additional updates.