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PORT ROYAL -- Additional safety measures implemented during the $4 million replacement project for the Juniata River Bridge at Route 75 in Port Royal will delay the bridge from reopening on Sept. 1 as originally scheduled, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation said Tuesday.
"PennDOT acknowledges the inconvenience this causes the community, particularly with the Juniata County Fair approaching, and thanked everyone for their continued patience as it works with all the stakeholders to mitigate the impact of this delay," explained Timothy Nebgen, safety press officer for PennDOT.
The projected estimate now is mid-October, PennDOT said
Throughout the construction, Norfolk Southern Railroad identified several safety concerns unique to working over a railroad and recommended additional precautionary measures. PennDOT placed safety above all else and chose to implement these measures, which contributed to the delay in reopening the bridge.
PennDOT is working diligently with all stakeholders to mitigate the impacts of this delay. During Juniata County Fair Week, additional flaggers will be placed at the intersection of routes 35 and 333 as it has for events held at the Port Royal Speedway throughout the summer.
PennDOT also intends to add more signage to the detour route, including changeable message signs, to alert fairgoers of the disruptions.
The contractor, HRI Inc., of State College, will also use additional construction crews and equipment to this project when site conditions warrant in order to complete the work as quickly as possible without sacrificing quality standards or the safety of stakeholders.
The detour around the bridge will remain in place until project completion. The detour uses Route 3002 (Old 22 Road/Main Street), Route 35, and Route 333 before returning to Route 75. This detour has resulted in minimal delays or traffic queueing. The contractor continues to maintain access for homeowners near the bridge.
Overall work on this project involves partial removal of the existing structure, building its replacement, approach paving, and drainage improvements.
Also included are water and sewer line replacements, sidewalk and guide rail replacement, pavement markings and miscellaneous construction.
As work progresses, PennDOT makes project information available on a dedicated web page, which includes detour mapping. Customers can find the Juniata/Mifflin project page by visiting www.PennDOT.pa.gov and clicking "Regional Offices." Once on the Regional Offices page, click the number 2, choose Construction Projects/Roadwork, then the tile that says "Juniata/Mifflin."
Preliminary work on this project started in mid-September 2022 by demolishing a two-story building on Second Street in Port Royal. PennDOT expected demolition of the bridge to begin in early January, but work coordination issues resulted in delays.
Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com.