PennDOT Announces Plans Display for the Project to Replace the Dunham Road Bridge in Crawford County

​The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) invites the public to view the online plans display for a project to replace the bridge that carries Dunham Road over Cussewago Creek in the City of Meadville and Vernon Township, Crawford County.

The bridge is located on Dunham Road (Route 2039) between the intersection with Route 102 and the intersection with Rogers Ferry Road (Route 2034).

This project involves replacing the existing two-span steel beam bridge with a new two-span steel girder bridge.

Roadway work will be required to adjust the elevation to match the new bridge. Approximately 225 feet of the roadway prior to the south and 340 feet after to the north will need to be reconstructed. In addition, Ashbury Manor Drive near the northern approach, will need to be adjusted to match the proposed vertical geometry of Dunham Road.

The project will also include updated guiderail, and pavement markings.

Work is expected to take place during the 2026 construction.

Dunham Road traffic will be controlled by temporary signals to maintain one lane of alternating traffic during construction.

A detour for Old Dunham Road will be required during construction and is expected to be in place for approximately seven months. The proposed 0.4-mile detour route will be posted using Turner Road and Turner Alley.

A partial causeway will be used during demolition and construction. The Cussewago Creek water trail will be temporarily affected during construction. The creek will be closed to boaters during construction of the new bridge. An Aids-to-Navigation (ATON) Plan will be implemented. Warning signage will also be posted at the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission boat access point located approximately 0.75 miles upstream of the project site.

The existing steel beam bridge was built in 1950. It is classified as poor condition. Approximately 3,100 vehicles a day use the bridge, on average.

The plans display for the Dunham Road Bridge Replacement, which will be held online only, includes a handout, project presentation, and an online comment form. It will be open until August 5, 2024 and can be accessed by visiting the PennDOT District 1 website, www.penndot.pa.gov/District1 under the Design and Construction Projects link.

Those unable to access the information online may give feedback by contacting PennDOT Project Manager Jeanette Uhl at [email protected] or 814-678-7084.

The purpose of the plans display is to introduce the project and receive public input regarding any questions or concerns with the project. It is also an opportunity for the public to review and comment on the project's potential effect upon Cultural Resources pursuant to the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's 36 CFR Part 800 regulations implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.

Pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, PennDOT does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability. If you feel that you have been denied the benefits of, or participation in a PennDOT program or activity, you may contact the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Bureau of Equal Opportunity, DBE/Title VI Division at 717-787-5891 or 800-468-4201.

Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Crawford, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/District1.

Information about infrastructure in District 1, including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.pa.gov/D1Results. Find PennDOT's planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov.

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PennDOT District 1 is hiring for variety of positions, including CDL operators, mechanics, highway maintenance workers, civil engineers, construction inspectors, and transportation technicians. Apply online at www.employment.pa.gov.

MEDIA CONTACT: Jill Harry, 814-678-5035 or [email protected]

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