PennDOT has made public their plans to replace the aging Dunham Road Bridge in Crawford County, inviting community scrutiny and participation through an online forum. The bridge, a vital pathway that carries Dunham Road over Cussewago Creek, linking city and township, anticipates a significant uplift with a modern two-span steel girder bridge, destined to replace the current structure known for its 'poor' condition, according to a release on the PennDOT District 1 website. The existing two-span steel beam has been serving the public since 1950 but has now outlived its glory days, regularly shouldering approximately 3,100 vehicles per daily crossing.
The undertaking will extend beyond the mere bridge replacement; encompassing roadwork adjustments for roughly 225 feet to the south and 340 feet to the north, with Ashbury Manor Drive also slated for alignment modifications to marry well with the envisioned vertical geometry of Dunham Road. Scheduled for the 2026 construction calendar, the projected enhancements include not only a bridge facelift but also feature upgraded guide rails and pavement markers. However, a detour on Old Dunham Road, estimated at about seven months, will pose a temporary re-routing challenge for locals, redirecting through Turner Road and Turner Alley.
During construction, Dunham Road will shift from its usual two-way flow to a one-lane alternating direction, managed by temporary traffic signals to minimize disruption. However, the project will temporarily close Cussewago Creek to boaters, affecting its use as a water trail until the bridge is completed. An Aids-to-Navigation (ATON) Plan and warning signage will be in place to prevent accidents, particularly around the upstream access point managed by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, as detailed on the PennDOT website.
Residents and interested stakeholders are invited to share their insights or concerns by August 5, 2024. PennDOT has provided this opportunity to ensure the bridge project aligns with both infrastructure needs and community values. The virtual plans display offers a range of project details, including a handout, a comprehensive presentation, and an online comment form. For those without internet access, PennDOT Project Manager Jeanette Uhl can be reached at [email protected] or 814-678-7084, ensuring that everyone has a chance to contribute to the project.
