Detour Coming with Bridge Repair Work Set to Start near Philipsburg

PHILIPSBURG – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is reminding drivers that a detour will be in place as bridge repair work gets under way next week near Philipsburg.

The bridge spans Laurel Run on Route 53, just past the Harbor Inn. The work will upgrade the status of the bridge from “poor” to “good.”

A detour will be used starting late this month to move traffic away from the work zone. Crews performed work this week to make changes to the Route 322/Ninth Street signal that will feature a turning arrow and retiming of the light.

The signal work was done in advance of the detour, which goes into effect on Monday, April 29.

The detour will make use of Route 322 and Ninth Street (Route 3029) and drivers are reminded to follow official detour signs.

The improvements made at the 322/Ninth Street signal will remain after project completion. Along with the signal improvements, project work will include removal of the existing deck, placement of a new concrete deck, beam repairs, barrier replacement, paving and guiderail updates.

The bridge is 59-feet long and was built in 1958. Average daily traffic on this section of Route 53 exceeds 7,400 vehicles each day.

PennDOT expects work on this bridge to be complete by Sept. 5, with the detour in place during that time. If work progress allows for an earlier completion, PennDOT will re-open the bridge and lift the detour before the announced completion date.

This is the fourth bridge to see repair and preservation work under a contract covering seven structures in Clearfield County. Work on two bridges completed in 2018. Work on the remaining bridges will take place this year and next.

HRI Inc. of State College is the contractor for this $4.8 million contract. PennDOT reminds drivers to use caution in and around work zones, obey posted speed limits and always buckle up.

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