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.

• Stage One Underway
  

• Tilghman Street traffic is shifted to the southern portion of the existing bridge while the northern portion of the bridge is constructed. Traffic through the project is maintained using a travel lane in each direction and a center turning lane.
• As of September 22, 2024, all beams have been set and the remaining portion of the Stage One superstructure (bridge deck, barrier, approach slabs, etc.) is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2024.
• Upcoming work includes deck and barrier placement and approach roadway work on Tilghman Street.
• Utility relocation work will begin in late September 2024, as the Contractor progresses work toward beam erection. This work will require nighttime lane closures on Tilghman Street.
• In early February 2024, Turnpike traffic was shifted outward away from the median to allow the new bridge median pier construction to begin.
• Commuters should expect to see and hear construction activity and minor delays as demolition occurs and the proposed bridge is constructed. A blend of day and nighttime work should be expected.

• Stage Two Underway
  

• The Contractor completed construction of the northern portion of the Tilghman St. 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.
• Upcoming work included removal of the remaining portion of the existing bridge and utility relocations.
• Utility relocation work will continue through the winter months.
• In early February 2024, PA Turnpike traffic was shifted outward away from the median to allow the new bridge median pier construction to begin.
• 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 PTC will coordinate closely with PennDOT and local municipalities as construction progresses. The goal is not to disrupt local traffic if possible.

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.