Design & Construction Details

Construction Schedule

Construction Update: Spring 2024

Cranes Are Moving Again

Spring 2024 – Following a windy, weather-disrupted winter construction season, the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s contractor in early spring resumed erection of the structural components of the new 720-foot-long Hawk Falls Bridge over Mud Run in Penn Forest and Kidder townships in Carbon County.

On both the northern and southern ends of the bridge, segments of the three arches that comprise the key features of the new bridge are being connected until the arches finally meet and can be connected in the center of the unique structure.

The arch ribs directly support columns that will carry the deck system, which will be comprised of floor beams, girders, and a reinforced concrete deck. Arch connections are projected to be completed and deck construction will begin this summer.

The contractor plans to have the bridge and approach roadways ready for traffic by late 2024 when northbound vehicles will be shifted onto the new bridge while continuing to work on the southbound half of the adjacent bridge over Hickory Run Road (Route 534). All traffic is expected to be using the new bridge in 2025. Demolition of the existing bridge will then follow.

The new bridge will be four lanes wide with six-foot medians and 12-foot shoulders. It will replace the existing 738-foot-long truss bridge that is nearing the end of its design service life and is considered functionally obsolete due to a lack of shoulders.

The new bridge over Hickory Run Road (Route 534) will replace the existing three-span bridge with a one-span structure, providing a more open feel for travelers on the surface road below.

The entire project, with a construction cost of $88 million in toll-supported funds is anticipated to be completed in mid-2026

Project Map

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