Norristown's Sterigere Street Bridge To Shut Down For Reconstruction

NORRISTOWN, PA — A major construction project will begin in Norristown in March to replace the Sterigere Street bridge, a hundred-year-old structure over Stony Creek and one of the municipality's key roadways.

A $3.6 million, state-funded constructionproject will begin on March 6, the county announced. The bridge closure will through the end of the year, according to the municipality.

It appears that not one single safety issue triggered the decision, but rather a need for a larger, systemic improvement to both the strength of the bridge and the size of vehicles it could carry, as well as the water flow in the creek below.

"Montgomery County’s construction contractor will remove and replace the entire existing bridge structure and approaches over Stony Creek to allow for corridor and waterway improvements," the county said in their announcement. "This will eliminate the current weight posting of the bridge and improve safety along the corridor and waterway."

About 17,500 vehicles traverse the 85-foot-long, three-span concrete T-beam bridge per day.

A detour will take motorists from Stanbridge Street to Marshall Street, Markley Street, and Harding Boulevard. Pedestrian access will be maintained so that the area remains walkable.

Other goals of the project include constructing wider sidewalks, improving sight distances to prevent rear-end crashes, and installing new signage and guiderails.

Skippack-based H & K Group is the general contractor for the project.