Butler Ave Bridge Project Ahead Of Schedule, Will Reopen Soon

NEW BRITAIN TWP, PA — The project to rehabilitate the Butler Avenue bridge in New Britain Township is ahead of schedule, and the bridge could reopen as early as Friday, according to local police.

The New Britain Township Police Department announced the bridge could reopen as soon as Friday, but not later than next week. Roadway lines are pained and guide rails are in place; handrails were currently being installed, police said.

An inspection still needs to be completed before the bridge opens, police said.

The bridge has been under construction since June 17. Butler Avenue has been closed and detoured between Brittany Drive and Surrey Road.

PennDOT’s contractor has been working to rehabilitate the bridge by replacing the existing structure with a concrete box culvert; milling and paving the roadway; installing impact attenuators; and replacing the guiderail.

Built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1963, the single-span bridge is 18 feet long and 38 feet wide. The structure carries an average of 12,359 vehicles a day.