EAST CALN TOWNSHIP, PA — In a major infrastructure announcement, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has revealed plans to kick off a $13.3 million project on Thursday, October 12. The project aims to replace the aging Boot Road bridge over Amtrak in East Caln Township, Chester County, promising a safer and more efficient crossing for motorists.
The existing 59-year-old, three-span Boot Road bridge, which extends 193 feet, will be replaced with a modern 105-foot single-span structure. While the bridge width will remain unchanged at 38 feet, significant enhancements will be made to the approach roads. The upgrade plans also include resurfacing, stormwater management, and guiderail installation.
To provide additional clearance to Amtrak’s facilities, the roadway profile will be slightly elevated. The catenary system, currently attached to the bridge to supply electricity to the railway system, will be re-profiled under the bridge.
In a bid to further enhance traffic flow and safety, PennDOT will carry out improvements at the adjacent Boot Road and Quarry Road Intersection. These upgrades include widening the roadway to incorporate left-turn lanes on three legs of the intersection, installing modernized traffic signals, and enhancing drainage facilities.
Motorists should be aware that from Thursday, October 12, through Friday, October 20, periodic weekday lane closures will take place on Boot Road between Quarry Road and Southwind Lane for grubbing and tree trimming operations. Following this, eastbound Boot Road will be closed and detoured between Quarry Road and Southwind Lane from Monday, October 23, through mid-November.
During the eastbound closure, motorists are advised to use westbound U.S. 322 (Brandywine Avenue), Business U.S. 30 (Lancaster Avenue), and Quarry Road. Trucks traveling eastbound are directed to use the posted detour. However, westbound Boot Road traffic will be maintained throughout the construction period.
The bridge currently has a 23-ton weight limit and accommodates approximately 11,954 vehicles per day. Motorists are being advised to allow for extra travel time due to potential backups and delays in or near the work area. All construction activities are weather dependent.
After eastbound Boot Road reopens in mid-November, it will remain open in both directions for around three months as work continues beneath the bridge. Stage two construction will see eastbound Boot Road closed and detoured again for approximately 14 months.
The project is being handled by H&K Group, Inc. of Skippack, Montgomery County, and is financed entirely with state funds. This comprehensive revamp not only promises improved safety and efficiency for motorists but also marks a significant investment in the region’s infrastructure.
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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