Pier Stem Construction in Progress as Drilling Continues for Pohopoco Creek Bridge Foundations

Temporary causeways now under construction for the new Lehigh River spans

Foundations for two of the 12 pier foundations for the new Pohopoco Creek Bridge are in place and work is now scheduled to build the pier stems atop those foundations. The new piers will rise up to 100 feet above the creek to support the superstructure of the new spans.

Concurrently, crews continue drilling deep shafts for the remaining 10 foundations for the new Pohopoco Creek bridges. The separate northbound and southbound Turnpike spans are located between the Lehigh Tunnel and Exit 74 in Parryville, Carbon County.

Foundation shafts also will be drilled later this summer in the creek itself, with crews working from the temporary causeways that were constructed in the streambed at the start of construction last February.

Work also has begun to construct temporary causeways in the Lehigh River. Drilling for pier foundations for those twin bridges will begin once the causeways, which provide a work platform for foundation crews and equipment, are in place.

In the Turnpike work zone above the creek and river, excavation has begun to widen the southbound area by scaling back the embankment. The area beyond the existing shoulder is being expanded and stabilized to provide room to shift the mainline Turnpike to the west so that it aligns with the new bridges being constructed upstream of the existing spans.

A slope stabilization system also will be installed adjacent to the temporary widening that was completed in the spring on the northbound side. This will prevent debris from falling from the excavated rock slope onto the widened northbound lanes when traffic is shifted onto the widened northbound lane during construction.

Work also is underway on the topside on both sides of the Turnpike to install the storm-water drainage system -- inlets, piping, retention areas, etc. -- for the new bridges.

The work is part of Stage 1 construction on the $101.56 million contract to replace the separate northbound and southbound bridges carrying the Northeastern Extension (I-476) over the Lehigh River and Pohopoco Creek.

Traffic Impacts 

• Periodic daytime and nighttime lane closures may occur on the Turnpike.
• Watch for slow moving construction vehicles entering and exiting the Turnpike.
• A permanent shoulder closure is in place on Route 248 westbound from Parryville to the existing overhead Turnpike bridge.
• Daytime lane closures also may be in effect on Route 248.

 

 

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