The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced that major rehabilitation work on a century-old bridge along Meetinghouse Road in Upper Chichester Township will commence on November 17, 2023. The project aims to address significant deterioration in the bridge structure, which has been in use for over a hundred years.
Starting on the indicated date, Meetinghouse Road will be closed continuously between Route 491 (Naamans Creek Road) and Chichester Avenue. This closure is expected to last until January 9, 2026, with detours established via Route 491, Larkin Road, Bethel Road, and Chichester Avenue. While local access will be maintained, motorists should prepare for potential delays as construction progresses.
Details of the Rehabilitation Project
The bridge, which spans 63 feet and measures 24 feet in width, currently accommodates nearly 10,000 vehicles daily. PennDOT has classified this bridge as being in poor condition, leading to its inclusion in a regional infrastructure program valued at $9.5 million. This program focuses on replacing or rehabilitating multiple aging structures across the five-county Philadelphia area.
Loftus Construction, Inc., based in King of Prussia, will oversee the state-funded project. The primary objective is to enhance travel safety and extend the bridge’s service life into the future, ensuring that it can continue to support local traffic.
Community Impact and Future Updates
As this significant rehabilitation project unfolds, residents and commuters can access real-time detour updates and regional traffic alerts through the MyChesCo Traffic Center. The community is encouraged to stay informed about any changes or developments related to the construction schedule.
This project reflects ongoing efforts by PennDOT to improve infrastructure and address the needs of aging bridges throughout the state, prioritizing public safety and efficient transportation.
