Construction is continuing on the $27.58 million Route 351 Koppel Bridge replacement project according to PA Department of Transportation Press Officer Steve Cowan.
In addition, the current 102-year-old bridge will be under inspection through October 4th. Single-lane alternating traffic will occur from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays as crews from the Larson Design Group conduct bridge inspection activities.
Although visible construction, including the installment cross sections of girder bridge appears to have paused, Cowan said in a statement last week that there is work occurring at the pier 1 caisson and footer.
“It is over the side of the bridge and out of view for the traveling public,” said Cowan.
Due to the location of the railroad and the train activity under the bridge, different construction methods were used to construct the piers. The geotechnical strata adjacent to the railroad tracks required slower moving activities as to not cause damage to the tracks and the rail traffic.
“We anticipate to have the pier built and the steel erected by late fall or early winter,” Cowan concluded.
Based on the current schedule, a full detour should take place from late August 2019 through early November 2019 with demolition of the current bridge taking place at that time.
The bridge, which carries State Route 351 over the Beaver River and connects Koppel Borough to North Sewickley Township, is a major causeway for Ellwoodians and area residents to reach the PA Turnpike and PA State Route 376.
The bridge will be constructed with steel girders, it will be 34′ wide with two 12′ travel lanes and two 8′ shoulder lanes. There will be no weight limit changes. Additional work will also include signage, pavement markings, drainage, and guiderail installation.
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