As part of our continuing investment in America's transportation infrastructure, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is replacing two bridges on the Northeastern Extension (I-476) in Carbon County with four new spans. The structures are located approximately two miles north of the Lehigh Tunnel between mile markers 73.52 and 75.29.
This project is a continuation of the Commission's self-funded, 10 Year Capital Improvement Plan that has been developed to address the need to rebuild and modernize the more than 600 miles of interstate highway -- and mainline structures -- under its jurisdiction.
Soaring as high as 125 feet over the scenic Lehigh River and adjacent Pohopoco Creek, the bridges are being replaced using $101,558,000 in funds generated by the users of the Turnpike. This investment will provide hundreds of quality jobs on site, at material suppliers and in the communities surrounding the work area, pumping much needed capital into the region and generating significant payroll taxes for Pennsylvania's economy.
The new structures -- two northbound, two southbound -- are designed to serve Turnpike motorists over the long term, and they are being constructed in harmony with the Pocono Mountains' environment and at minimal impact on the rich and scenic waterways that they traverse.
Our website is designed to allow you to be an active participant in the process by providing an open view into the details of the project and the process as we construct new, state-of-the-art bridges at the gateway to a mountainous region that is home to many and a relaxing escape for many more. Take a look around. Sign up to be part of our active information program that pushes timely information to your e-mail box or cell phone. Ask us a question or drop us a line anytime. We'll get back to you quickly, and we hope that you'll come back often to see the progress that we are making.
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Project Facts
General Description: Replace twin northbound and southbound PA Turnpike/I-476 Bridges over Lehigh River, Pohopoco Creek
Location: Approximately two miles north of the Lehigh Tunnel in Franklin, East Penn and Mahoning Townships, and Parryville Borough, Carbon County, PA
Turnpike Work Zone: Mile 73.52 to Mile 75.29
Construction Contract: $101,558,000.00
Construction Start: December 22, 2008
Scheduled Completion: November 02, 2012
Lehigh River/Canal Bridges
(Original structures opened to traffic in 1957)
- Height: 75’ above river
- Number of Piers: 9 Northbound bridge, 10 Southbound bridge
- Beam Type: Pre-stressed concrete
- Individual Span Length (distance between piers): 150’
- Deck Width: 42’
- Capacity: Two 12’ travel lanes
- Outside Shoulder: 12’
- Inside Shoulder: 6'
Pohopoco Creek Bridges
(Original structures opened to traffic in 1957)
- Height: 120’ above creek
- Number of Piers: 6 Northbound bridge, 6 Southbound bridge
- Beam Type: Pre-stressed concrete
- Individual Span Length (distance between piers): 145’
- Deck Width: 42’
- Capacity: Two 12’ travel lanes
- Outside Shoulder: 12’
- Inside Shoulder: 6’