The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that construction will begin this week on a $35.8 million project to replace the northbound and southbound bridges that carry Route 420 (Wanamaker Avenue) over Darby Creek in Prospect Park Borough and Tinicum Township, Delaware County.
Under this project, PennDOT’s contractor will replace the superstructure and substructure of the northbound and southbound bridges over Darby Creek. In-stream work including causeways and cofferdams will be utilized for construction of the replacement structures. Rock protection will also be used for both structures, and streambed stabilization and replacement of the fender system will be included as part of the site improvements.
In addition, existing lighting on the bridges will be replaced or upgraded, and a pedestrian trail crossing will be constructed under the structures adjacent to the southern abutments. The trail will provide a connection to the adjacent John Heinz Wildlife Refuge. The 8-10 foot wide shared-use path will be built on the western side of Route 420 (Wanamaker Avenue) to the north of Darby Creek. A shared-use path will also be constructed on both sides of Route 420 (Wanamaker Avenue) south of Darby Creek and connect to the existing parking lots at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge.
During construction on the bridge replacement project, two lanes of traffic will be maintained at all times for northbound Route 420 (Wanamaker Avenue) motorists, and one lane of traffic will be maintained at all times for southbound Route 420 (Wanamaker Avenue) motorists through the work area.
Beginning Friday night, May 19, the left lane is scheduled to close 24/7 on southbound Route 420 (Wanamaker Avenue) between 4th Avenue and Interstate 95 to begin bridge reconstruction on the southbound structure. The single lane closure will be in place until the new bridge is completed.
During the long-term lane closure, oversized vehicles over 10-feet-wide will be prohibited from using southbound Route 420 (Wanamaker Avenue) through the project limits. Drivers will be directed to use U.S. 13 (Chester Pike), Stewart Avenue and Route 291 (Industrial Highway) to access Route 420 (Wanamaker Avenue) south of I-95.
Access to southbound Route 420 (Wanamaker Avenue) from Lazaretto Road will be prohibited for all motorists. Motorists will be directed to follow the posted detour route to access southbound Route 420 (Wanamaker Avenue).
Access to northbound and southbound Route 420 (Wanamaker Avenue) from Lafayette Avenue at 2nd Avenue will be prohibited for all motorists except emergency vehicles. Motorists will be directed to follow the posted detour routes to access northbound and southbound Route 420 (Wanamaker Avenue).
Drivers are advised to allow extra time when traveling through the work areas because significant backups and delays will occur. All scheduled activities are weather dependent.
The existing southbound Route 420 (Wanamaker Avenue) bridge is a 237-foot-long, three-span, prestressed concrete composite adjacent box beam bridge. The structure is currently posted for 30 tons and 40 tons in combination and is listed in poor condition due to the deterioration and section loss of bridge elements.
The existing northbound Route 420 (Wanamaker Avenue) bridge is a 232-foot-long, three-span, prestressed concrete composite adjacent box beam bridge. The northbound bridge, which is currently listed in fair condition, is deteriorating and in need of extensive repairs.
Richard E. Pierson Construction Co. Inc. of Pilesgrove, NJ, is the general contractor on this bridge replacement project, which is financed with 100% federal funds. Construction on the entire project is expected to finish in summer 2027.