Bridges to be replaced

jcooper@sungazette.com

Two bridges over Little Muncy Creek and another over White Deer Hole Creek will be replaced this year under the state's new Rapid Bridge Replacement Project.

Another seven bridges in Lycoming County are up for replacement in 2016 and 2017.

Last year, a law was signed to fund road projects, repairs and public transit in the state, which has resulted in the creation of the $899 million statewide project, set to begin this summer.

According to the state, 558 bridges across the state will be replaced in the next three years.

"Pennsylvania has the most structurally deficient bridges in the country. That's why it's so important we take advantage of the additional resources we're getting from Act 89," Richard Kirkpatrick, PennDOT spokesman, said.

There are 25,000 state-maintained bridges in the state, and about 4,000 are considered structurally deficient, according to Kirkpatrick. He also said that of the 558 bridges being replaced, 553 are structurally deficient and 133 are posted with weight limits to help extend their life.

Plenary Walsh Keystone Partners and its team of 11 Pennsylvania-based subcontractors, one of which is Williamsport's Larson Design Group, will lead the project, according to Kirkpatrick.

The other subcontractors are A.D. Marble and Co., of Conshohocken, Montgomery County; M.A. Beech Corp., of Carnegie, Allegheny County; Carmen Paliotta Contracting, of South Park Township, Allegheny County; Clearwater Construction Inc., of Mercer, Mercer County; Francis J. Palo Inc., of Clarion, Clarion County; Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc., of State College, Centre County; J.D. Eckman Inc. of Atglen, Chester County; J.F. Shea Construction Inc. of Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County; Swank Construction Co., of New Kensington, Westmoreland County; and TRC Engineers Inc., of Export, Westmoreland County.

"It may be the case that more subcontractors can be hired as the process moves forward," Kirkpatrick said when asked about opportunities for other local companies to participate in the project.

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Bridges to be replaced