CONCORD TWP, PA — The bridge that carries Smithbridge Road over Webb Creek, a vital link in Concord Township, has been reopened to the public, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced. This follows the completion of an extensive $1.7 million project aimed at replacing the deteriorating 96-year-old structure that had been a critical concern for local commuters and residents.
The necessity of the project became evident after a bridge inspection on July 14, 2023, revealed significant deterioration and increased undermining due to storms, leading to an immediate closure for safety reasons. The aging infrastructure, which had served the community since its construction nearly a century ago, was no longer fit to handle modern traffic demands and weather conditions.
In response, PennDOT embarked on a comprehensive replacement project, which saw the old 20-foot-long, reinforced concrete T-beam bridge give way to a more durable and resilient structure. The new bridge, a single-cell, cast-in-place, concrete box culvert, promises enhanced safety and longevity, ensuring that Smithbridge Road can continue to serve as a crucial conduit over Webb Creek.
Additionally, the project included stream stabilization and protection efforts, further safeguarding the area against the erosive forces of nature that had contributed to the original bridge’s decline. These measures are part of a broader strategy to protect Pennsylvania’s infrastructure from the increasingly unpredictable weather patterns and to maintain the integrity of its transportation networks.
Road-Con Inc., a contractor based in West Chester, Chester County, led the construction efforts on this state-funded project.
Drivers can check current road conditions by visiting the MyChesCo Traffic Center. Stay updated on the latest news and information from MyChesCo with our free newsletter. Follow MyChesCo on Twitter at twitter.com/MyChesCo and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/MyChesCo.
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