Karns Crossing Bridge Project set to begin in February
A multimillion dollar replacement of the Karns Crossing Bridge in Butler and Summit townships is set to commence sometime next month.
Butler Township officials on Monday said they were recently informed of a preliminary timeline.
However, there are “no set dates for work to begin,” according to Christina Gibbs, community relations coordinator with the state Department of Transportation. She also noted that a news release will be sent out “once specific dates are set for activities that may affect traffic.”
The project includes the replacement of the bridge, which spans over the Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad and the Buffalo and Pittsburgh Railroad; along with various intersection improvements and the replacement of the arch culvert carrying Route 68 over Connoquenessing Creek.
As part of the major upgrades, Delwood Road between Route 68 and East Brady Street is expected to be closed through 2026.
The bridge’s average daily traffic count sits at 10,700 vehicles. To accommodate that traffic during construction, a temporary single-lane road will be built.
After being put out to bid on Nov. 7, Swank Construction was awarded the contract at a cost of $65 million.
The bridge replacement is slated for completion in the spring of 2028, according to PennDOT officials.
