Mill Creek Bridge Replacement Project Begins Monday In Lower Merion

LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP, PA — Mill Creek Bridge in Lower Merion Township is being replaced after it was closed in September 2021 due to damage from Hurricane Ida flooding.

Montgomery County officials said work to replace the bridge will begin Monday.

There is no word on when the project is expected to be completed.

Drivers will be directed to the current posted detour.

The detour uses Old Gulph Road, Montgomery Avenue, Morris Avenue, and Williamson Road.

Motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling through the area because backups and delays may occur.

Work will take place in two phases.

The two-phase approach to the project is due to an active PECO gas main and an active Lower Merion Township sanitary drain, which will both be relocated to the new structure.

Work includes reconstruction of the sidewalk to allow pedestrian crossing on the west side of Mill Creek Road; widening the roadway to allow for three full traffic lanes; two of which will be full turning lanes approaching Old Gulph Road; and installing extended guiderail to the south and a traffic attenuation barrier on the north side to increase vehicle safety.

The 37 foot long, single span, pre-stressed concrete, box-beam, bridge was originally constructed in 1956.

The bridge was identified as being structurally deficient during a routine inspection in 2018 and was scheduled for design and replacement.

During the Engineering design phase, the bridge was severely impacted by the post-Hurricane Ida floodwaters and required closure for public safety.

The new bridge will be a 39-foot, 6 inch long, single span, pre-stressed concrete, box-beam structure.

R. E. Pierson Construction, Inc. of Pilesgrove, New Jersey, is the general contractor on this $2.6 million project, which is fully financed with state funds.