All lanes of Interstate 376 near the Route 318 bridge in Shenango Township, Mercer County are reopened as work to remove the structure was completed early.
The highway was closed between Exit 1C (Route 318, West Middlesex) and the nearby onramp while demolition and clean-up work was done at the bridge that carries Route 318 over the I-376. It closed at 7:00 PM on Friday, April 19.
It was expected to reopen by 5:00 AM Monday, April 22, but crews were able to work overnight and complete the work early.
The westbound lanes opened at approximately 3:00 AM today and the eastbound lane restriction was lifted before 6:00 AM.
With removal of the bridge finished, including the pier in between the eastbound and westbound lanes, work to construct a new bridge will begin this week.
Drivers should be alert for additional lane restrictions on I-376 as needed throughout the project. A portion of the project will also require short-term closures, which will be announced in advance.
The new bridge will meet current vertical clearance standards and will be built on a similar alignment as the former structure.
The contractor for the project is Mekis Construction Corporation of Fenelton, PA. The contract cost is $5,145,068.12.
Additional information on the Route 318 Bridge Replacement Project is available online at www.penndot.pa.gov/District1.
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.
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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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MEDIA CONTACT: Jill Harry, 814-678-5035 or jharry@pa.gov
Crews removed the remaining deck of the Route 318 bridge by dropping it onto the westbound lanes of Interstate 376 during the overnight hours of April 19 into the April 20.