Timetable changes for project at busy Berks bridge

Mar. 22—Most of the construction work on a bridge along Gibraltar Road in Exeter Township is expected to be completed this summer in time for the start of the school year, a PennDOT spokesman said Wednesday.

The bridge near Shelbourne Road has been open in one direction since construction began early this month. Only traffic headed from Route 422 to Shelbourne Road can use the bridge. Traffic that would typically reach the bridge from Shelbourne Road is being detoured.

The project includes work to the Gibraltar Road bridge over Antietam Creek and to improve the nearby intersection of Gibraltar and Shelbourne roads. Initially PennDOT announced the $2.7 million project would be completed in July 2024. Now PennDOT is saying that the intersection should be open by mid-August, though some work will continue on the span after that point.

At present the bridge consists of two lanes and leads to an intersection with a four-way stop sign and one lane in each direction. Traffic often backs up on Gibraltar and Shelbourne roads during the morning and evening rush hours, and the bridge is used by bus drivers and other motorists as a route to the Exeter School District buildings along nearby Dunham Drive.

The project includes widening to add a left turn lane and replacing the superstructure on the single span bridge carrying Gibraltar Road over Antietam Creek. The intersection of Gibraltar and Shelbourne Roads will also include the addition of a traffic signal.

Township and state officials have said the work should improve traffic flow in the busy area.

H&K Group Inc. of Skippack is the primary contractor on the project.