​The northwest region of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) continues to move forward with the emergency project to replace the bridge that carries Route 318 over Interstate 376 in Shenango Township, Mercer County.

Bids for the contract to remove the remaining portion of the bridge and replace the entire structure were opened on March 14, 2024. Five bids were received.

Mekis Construction Corporation of Fenelton, PA is the apparent low bidder at $5,145,068.12. Additional steps by the 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 Route 318 bridge was struck by the boom of a truck traveling eastbound on I-376 the morning of December 7, 2023, and sustained substantial damage and was closed. An inspection revealed damage to three beams as well as a hole in the deck.

For the safety of traffic traveling under the bridge, it was determined the damaged portion of the bridge should be removed as soon as possible, which was completed in less than 36 hours after the crash. Route 318 has remained closed in that area.

The new bridge will have a higher vertical clearance than the former structure but will maintain a similar alignment with the roadway. The former bridge, which was built in 1966, was posted at 14 feet, 2 inches. A new bridge will meet the current standard of 16 feet, 6 inches.

The project is being paid for through a combination of state and federal emergency funds.

Information on the Route 318 Bridge Replacement Project is available online at www.penndot.pa.gov/District1 under the Design and Construction Projects link.

This year PennDOT's Northwest Region expects to do work on more than 100 projects. To see a full listing of all the anticipated work, check out the 2024 Construction Book located under the Resources tab online at www.penndot.pa.gov/District1.

PennDOT urges motorists to slow down when driving in work zones, and also to be alert to changing conditions, avoid distractions and to pay attention to signs and flaggers. Drive responsibly in work zones for your safety and the safety of the workers.

Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.

Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Crawford, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/District1.

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.

Follow local PennDOT news on X and like the department on Facebook.

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​