PennDOT Planning and Research Gives Major Bridge P3 Project Update

​The Major Bridge P3 Project entered into the Final Design phase of the Design Build Finance Maintain term with the issuance of Notice to Proceed 2 on 3/14/23.  The final designs of all six Bridges are progressing.  All design work is anticipated to be completed and full construction started on the six Bridges by June 2024.

As major portions of the Bridge designs are completed, Limited Notices to Proceed (LNTPs) are being issued in order to initiate the start of construction, when appropriate.  On 6/30/23 the first LNTP was issued for the I-81 Susquehanna Bridge to allow the contractor to begin shoulder strengthening needed for the first traffic control stage and structure demolition.  A second LNTP was issued on 9/17/23 for I-81 Susquehanna to begin constructing the trestle that will be used to demolish and reconstruct the main river bridges.  The first LNTP for I-80 Canoe Creek Bridge is anticipated by 10/31/23.  Additional LNTPs are anticipated throughout the remainder of the calendar year into Spring 2024.  This approach exemplifies the design-build nature of the project that allows construction to begin while portions of the design continue to be finalized. 

As construction starts on each Bridge, the Development Entity will assume maintenance responsibility within the project limits.  Substantial Completion, meaning construction completion of all six Bridges, is scheduled for June 2028.  After Substantial Completion, the Development Entity will maintain the main river bridges for a 30-year period.