Work on the $8,087,885 project is expected to begin on Jan. 2 and detours will be implemented on Jan. 7. The Stites Tunnel, which is below the bridge and part of Route 191, will have several modifications added as part of the project. The bridge and roadway approach will see new guard rails installed, fresh line paint and concrete repairs to the tunnel itself.
The steel girder bridge, which runs over Paradise Creek, was constructed in 1911 and reconstructed in 1941. The current bridge is 533 feet long and 35 feet wide with a nine-ton weight restriction. The new bridge will be a concrete box culvert and reduced in size to 345 feet long and 33 feet wide. The new bridge will have no weight restrictions.
Starting on Jan. 7 and lasting through the duration of the project, Route 191 will be closed and detoured between Route 447 and Stites Mountain Road. Passenger vehicle detours will utilize Route 715 and Cherry Lane Road. A separate, posted truck detour will reroute traffic on Route 447 and Route 390, according to PennDOT.
H and K Group Inc., of Skippack, Pa., is the general contractor for the project. More information about this project and roadway conditions or detours can be found at www.511PA.com.
