Construction Begins on Pennsylvania Bridge Damaged by Hurricane Ida

Projects | October 04, 2022

Share

A photo of the underneath of Worthington Mill Road Bridge over a river

RICHBORO, PA – A year after damage from Hurricane Ida forced the closure of the Worthington Mill Road Bridge (SR 2081) in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, construction has begun to replace the nearly 70-year-old steel structure. The new bridge will not only restore the crossing over the Neshaminy Creek but has also been designed to better accommodate local traffic.

Prior to its closure by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation District 6-0, the bridge was struggling to meet the needs of local traffic conditions. The single-lane steel structure created a hazard for oncoming two-way traffic and was considered structurally deficient.

“When this project was first proposed over 11 years ago, the community was reluctant to support the construction of a new bridge and expressed concerns of it leading to increased traffic in their communities,” said Benesch Project Manager Greg Kuklinski. “Following Hurricane Ida and the closure of the bridge in 2021, residents saw the importance of building an improved structure.”

With community members concerned about the closure, PennDOT asked Benesch to expedite final design and let the project a year ahead of schedule. Benesch accommodated the request and construction is now underway. When construction is complete in 2024, the Worthington Mill Road Bridge will be a 253-foot, 3-span prestressed concrete structure accommodating two lanes of traffic. The bridge will provide improved access to local businesses and the nearby Montgomery County Community College. H&K Group, Inc. will be constructing the bridge at a cost of $4,518,000.