BURNHAM — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced Thursday that a traffic switch will take place next week as work continues on Freedom Avenue bridge replacement. The bridge spans Kishacoquillas Creek just east of the intersection with Logan Boulevard in Burnham Borough. Replacing the bridge will allow PennDOT to remove it from the list of Mifflin County bridges in poor condition. The existing structure dates from 1919 and carries an average of 8,500 vehicles each day.

On Monday night, the contractor will pave tie-ins for the temporary bridge/road. This work will require an alternating traffic pattern enforced by flaggers in the roadway. On Tuesday afternoon, traffic will be switched from the existing bridge to a temporary roadway and bridge on the downstream side of the existing structure. Once traffic is using the temporary bridge and roadway, the existing bridge will be closed and demolished and work to build the new bridge will begin.

Along with the traffic switch, a temporary traffic signal will control traffic making use of Railroad Street.

Motorists are reminded that all work is weather dependent, and the schedule is subject to change.

Overall work on the project includes removal of the existing structure, drainage work, asphalt approach work, guide rail installation, concrete curbing and sidewalk installation, and pavement markings. The new bridge will include a center turning lane and pedestrian sidewalks on both sides of the structure. This will improve sight distances for motorists and pedestrians, enhancing safety in the area.

PennDOT reminds drivers to use caution in and around work zones, obey posted speed limits, and always buckle up.

Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA is free, available 24 hours a day, and provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 860 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.