Design & Construction Details

Tilghman Street Bridge: Staged Construction in Progress

Construction began in August 2023 and will be completed in two stages to allow the bridge to remain open to traffic during construction. The plan is available for review.

• Stage One Complete
  

• The Contractor completed construction of the northern portion of the bridge and roadway, and traffic was shifted to the new structure in November. Traffic through the project will continue to be maintained using a travel lane in each direction and a center turning lane.

• Stage Two Underway
  

• The Contractor has begun removal of the remaining portion of the structure, including removal of all existing bridge beams, and is progressing with removal of the substructure.
• Bridge construction will begin when the removal process has been completed.
• In early February 2024, PA Turnpike traffic was shifted outward, away from the median, to allow the new bridge median pier construction to begin. This traffic shift will remain in place until the Stage 2 portion of the bridge structure is completed.
• Commuters should anticipate construction activities and minor delays as bridge demolition occurs and the proposed bridge is constructed. A blend of day and nighttime work should be expected.
• A final wearing course and overlay will be placed on the roadway and bridge deck following completion of the structure in late 2025. 

The PA Turnpike will coordinate closely with PennDOT and local municipalities as construction progresses. The goal is not to disrupt local traffic if possible.

Lower Macungie Bridge: Staged Construction In Progress

Construction began in October 2024 with stage two underway. The work updates include:

Local Road Detours

A Work Zone Traffic Control Analysis was completed in conformance with PennDOT’s Traffic Engineering Manual, Publication 46, March 2013 Edition. The report includes analyses to identify anticipated delays that may result in detours during construction. See the project schedule below for the estimated construction start dates. The following detours are anticipated: 

• The Lower Macungie Road Bridge Replacement (S.R. 2012), which crosses over the PA Turnpike at MP A53.38, will require a detour of traffic. One lane of traffic in each direction will be maintained while the bridge is constructed off-alignment. A two-week detour of Lower Macungie Road is required to complete the tie-ins to the new alignment. Longer-term detours for the work occurring at its intersections with Millrace Road and Little Spur Road are required.
• The East Texas Road Bridge Replacement (T.R. 471), which crosses over the PA Turnpike at MP A54.29, will be reconstructed, resulting in a detour of traffic along East Texas Road and Hidden Valley Road. For more details, please review the second page of the design plan exhibit.
• The Hamilton Boulevard Bridge Replacement (SR 0222), which crosses over the PA Turnpike at MP A55.31, will be reconstructed, resulting in a westbound, eastbound, or full westbound/eastbound detour of traffic along Hamilton Boulevard.

Detours will be further refined and coordinated with the municipalities and PennDOT District 5-0.