Route 318 Bridge Replacement Project
Project Overview
This project is to replace the bridge that carries Route 318 over Interstate 376 in Mercer County.
The Route 318 bridge was struck by the boom of a truck traveling eastbound on I-376 the morning of December 7, 2023, and sustained substantial damage and was closed. An inspection revealed damage to three beams as well as a hole in the deck.
For the safety of traffic traveling under the bridge, it was determined the damaged portion of the bridge should be removed as soon as possible, which was completed in less than 36 hours after the crash. Route 318 has remained closed in that area.
The project will include demolition of the remaining existing structure, construction of a new bridge, the partial reconstruction of the roadway near the bridge and the I-376 ramps, and repairs to correct damage to the interstate caused by the crash.
The new bridge will have a higher vertical clearance than the former structure but will maintain a similar alignment with the roadway. The former bridge, which was built in 1966 and was rated in fair condition prior to the crash, was posted at 14 feet, 2 inches. A new bridge will meet the current standard of 16 feet, 6 inches.
Construction began April 15, 2024 and is expected to be completed by November 2024.
The bridge is located east of West Middlesex Borough and was built in 1966. Prior to the crash, it was rated in fair condition and was posted at 14 feet, 2 inches. It was used by approximately 3,200 vehicles a day, on average.
The contractor is Mekis Construction Corporation of Fenelton, PA. The contract cost is $5,145,068.12. The project is being paid for through a combination of 20 percent state and 80 percent federal emergency funds.
Project Updates
9-20-24
Both lanes of the new bridge that carries Route 318 over Interstate 376 in Mercer County and all the ramps to highway are opened to traffic.
Today the bridge opened to eastbound traffic. A lane for westbound traffic opened on August 22, 2024.
Work at the bridge will continue. Drivers should be alert for lane closures on I-376 and lane shifts with traffic controlled by flaggers on Route 318.
8-26-24
One lane of the new bridge that carries Route 318 over Interstate 376 and the eastbound ramps are opened to traffic in West Middlesex, Mercer County.
The westbound lane of the Route 318 bridge opened today. Eastbound traffic will continue to use the detour, which is posted using Route 18 and I-376.
The eastbound on and off ramps for I-376 at Exit 1C (Route 318, West Middlesex) reopened August 22, 2024. The westbound off ramp is also open.
The westbound on ramp is closed as work continues to raise the profile of the roadway to meet the higher vertical clearance of the new bridge.
The westbound lane of the new bridge and the westbound on ramp for I-376 are expected to reopen this fall.
6-17-24
Drivers are reminded that the Interstate 376 eastbound ramps at Exit 1C (Route 318, West Middlesex) are expected to be closed starting June 20, 2024.
A detour will be posted using Route 18, Route 760, and I-376. The ramps are expected to reopen in August 2024.
The closure is needed in order to complete work on Route 318 near the bridge and the eastbound ramps from and to I-376. The work will raise the profile of the roadway to meet the higher vertical clearance of the new bridge.
Additionally, drivers may encounter daytime lane restrictions on I-376 near the bridge, as work requires.
