Sterigere Street Bridge Shutdown Begins In Norristown

NORRISTOWN, PA — Work has begun on a major construction project that will shut down the Sterigere Street Bridge for the rest of 2023.

The hundred-year-old structure over Stony Creek carries an average of about 17,500 vehicles a day.

A $3.6 million, state-funded construction project began March 6, the county announced.

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."

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.