PORT ROYAL — The $4 million construction project for the Juniata River Bridge at Route 75 in Port Royal should have been nearing its mid-point as the calendar turns to March.

Plans called for the demolition and replacement of portions of the superstructure, which spans the Norfolk Southern Railroad.

Instead, the bridge sits untouched as delays continue to halt the project.

“Discussion continues between PennDOT, the contractor and Norfolk Southern Railroad as we work to move the project to its start,” said PennDOT Press Officer Marla Fannin Thursday of the coordination on the bridge project between PennDOT and Norfolk Southern.

“There are multiple variables in play, and we are working to resolve outstanding items,” she added.

The bridge was supposed to close on Jan. 3 and remain closed through June 30. The completion date is in doubt with the project delayed. Businesses in Port Royal Borough, including the Port Royal Speedway, will be affected by the closure as the traffic will be detoured.

The Port Royal Speedway is scheduled to hold its season-opening races on Sunday. Racetrack officials are concerned that construction detours will affect turnouts for both fans and drivers.

Preliminary work started in September 2022 with the demolition of a two-story building on Second Street in Port Royal.

Overall work on the project involves partial removal of the existing structure and construction of its replacement, approach paving, drainage improvements, water and sewer line replacements, sidewalk and guide rail replacement, pavement marking and miscellaneous construction. HRI, Inc. of State College is the contractor.

Fannin confirmed that PennDOT plans to meet with Port Royal Borough officials on Monday, March 13, but she would not comment on the project’s schedule.

“I can’t confirm or deny an April closure,” Fannin explained. “We will be looking for input from the borough council and hope at that meeting to present a modified schedule that could move forward.”