PennDOT announces online plans for Dallas Twp. bridge replacement

Bill O’Boyle, The Times Leader, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
·2 min read

Jul. 6—DALLAS TWP. — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Tuesday issued an invitation to the public to review and comment on plans regarding a bridge replacement project over Route 309 on Overbrook Avenue in Dallas Township.

PennDOT said the plans will be displayed online, but also available for public viewing at the Dallas Township municipal building.

PennDOT said the purpose of the project is to provide a sustainable crossing over Route 309 that provides a two-lane bridge, addresses the structural deficiencies, and provides continued access to local residents, businesses, and emergency services.

"We consistently hear from motorists sharing safety concerns about the condition of this bridge and potential impacts to Memorial Highway below, which is heavily traveled," said State Sen. Lisa Baker, R-Lehman Township. "I encourage everyone who lives or travels on these roadways to review the plans and provide feedback."

According to PennDOT, the project consists of replacing the existing structure with a single span composite pre-stressed adjacent box beam bridge. Additional proposed work includes approach pavement replacement on Route 1014 and Route 309, rock scour protection, guide rail updates, barrier addition and drainage improvements.

PennDOT says the new bridge will provide two 11-foot lanes with 8-foot shoulders for a new roadway width of 30 feet. The new roadway on Route 309 will provide four 11-foot lanes, a 12-foot turning lane, and 5-foot shoulders.

PennDOT said Route 1014 at the bridge site will be closed to all traffic and detoured during construction and is expected to be closed for no longer than 18 months.

The project is currently in design and is planned to be let in July 2024. Construction work is anticipated to take place from the summer of 2024 to summer 2026.

The plans display will be held in-person and online. The in-person plans display will be held at the Dallas Township municipal building, 105 Lt. Michael Cleary Drive Dallas., on July 19 at 6 p.m. The digital version of the plans display will be available from July 11, to June 22, Online information, including proposed detour route, detailed project information, and comment form, can be found by visiting the following PennDOT District 4-0 website: https://www.penndot.gov/RegionalOffices/district-4/PublicMeetings/Pages/default.aspx

Click on the Luzerne County box, then choose the tile marked SR 1014 (Overbrook Avenue) Bridge Replacement Project.

The purpose of the plans display is to introduce the project, display and describe the planned detour, and receive public input regarding questions or concerns with the project.

The project documents can be made available in alternative languages or formats if requested. If anyone needs translation/interpretation services or has special needs or have special concerns that require individual attention, contact PennDOT Project Manager Summer Koziel, at skoziel@pa.gov or 570.963.4048.

Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.