PennDOT is planning to replace a bridge on Leger Road in North Huntingdon that has historic significance but is in overall poor condition.
The project is slated for construction in 2026. It will involve a 5-mile detour, sending traffic over sections of routes 30 and 993 and Brownstown Road.
According to PennDOT data, a daily average of about 370 vehicles travels over the single-span bridge that crosses Brush Creek near the village of Ardara.
Constructed in 1909, the 65-foot concrete bridge was cast in place and is considered one of the earliest examples of concrete arch bridge technology in the region. The arch, parapets and substructure of the bridge are all made of reinforced concrete.
The bridge is eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places, but officials have determined it can’t be rehabilitated to meet federal standards.
According to a state report, the bridge has a 20-ton weight limit. Its superstructure, which is the underlying or supporting part of the bridge, is in serious condition — meaning it has major defects, its strength and/or performance is seriously affected, and it may require stepped-up monitoring or corrective action.
The substructure — parts such as abutments that supports the superstructure — is in poor condition.
In addition to installing a new bridge, the project will involved widening and repaving adjacent sections of the road, improving drainage and putting new guide rails in place.
To mitigate removal of the significant span, PennDOT intends to include it on a proposed web-based story map that would provide photos and information on historic bridges across the state.
The public will have an opportunity to view and comment on the Brush Creek bridge project plans online through Dec. 18. Visit penndot.pa.gov/District12 and select “View District 12 Projects.” Then click the links for “Westmoreland County Projects” and “Route 4019 over Brush Creek.”
This story is updated to reflect the average daily traffic is 370 vehicles on the Brush Creek bridge. Outdated information in the story indicating traffic at 5,100 vehicles a day was obtained from a PennDOT website.