Dunlap Creek Bridge Rehab and Brownsville Ave. Bridge Deck Replacement
Dunlap Creek Bridge circa 1904
Project Overview
Dunlap Creek Bridge Rehabilitation Project
Brownsville Borough, Fayette County
The existing Dunlap Creek Bridge – listed on the National Register of Historic Places (National Register) and a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark – was constructed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers in 1839 as the first cast iron metal arch bridge in the United States. It is a single-span, cast iron, arch rib structure that was modified in 1922 to replace bridge deck material and install cantilevered support brackets and sidewalks lined with replacement metal railings.
This project is designed as a sensitive rehabilitation of the historic bridge structure that will remove later encumbrances and restore views of the bridge. It will ensure continued structural integrity, stability, and soundness. The refurbishment will include the installation of a new midblock crossing and a pedestrian bridge for safety and accessibility.
Construction is anticipated to begin in late summer 2024.
Companion Project: Brownsville Avenue Bridge over Dunlap Creek Deck Replacement
Brownsville Borough, Fayette County
This project involves a deck replacement and will be constructed prior to the Dunlap Creek Bridge closure. It includes the rehabilitation of the existing bridge structure carrying Brownsville Avenue over Dunlap Creek in Brownsville Borough, Fayette County. The proposed rehabilitation work will strengthen the bridge so that the weight limit posting can be removed.
- The existing asphalt riding surface, concrete sidewalk and concrete barriers will be removed.
- The beams, which are to remain, will be repaired as needed.
- A new concrete deck, sidewalk, and barriers will be constructed on the beams.
- The new deck will be made composite with the beams to strengthen the bridge.
- The approach roadways will be paved from the intersection with Shady Avenue to the intersection with Seneca Street.
- Guide rail will be installed on the structure approaches.
There will be no changes to the existing roadway alignment, profile, or width.
Traffic will be detoured during construction and is anticipated to be in place for two to three months. The detour route is approximately 0.3 miles and uses Ray Charles Way/Shady Avenue, Bank Street, and Route 4003 (Market Street).
Construction is anticipated to begin in late spring/early summer 2024.
The anticipated, combined project cost of rehabilitating Dunlap Creek and Brownsville Avenue Bridges is $9-10 million.
Project Update
10/17/2024 - Brownsville Avenue bridge work has been completed, and the detour has been removed so that school buses and emergency services can use this bridge. Utility relocation continues on Route 4003 (Market Street), and the contractor performs some miscellaneous work offline, not affecting any traffic on Market Street. A complete closure and detour of Market Street is scheduled for November 18.
09/09/2024 -Brownsville Avenue Bridge remains closed and detoured until the end of September. Over the next few months, utility crews will relocate utilities along Market Street at the Cast Iron Bridge.
Press Releases:
Public Meeting
An open house public meeting about these companion projects was held on November 28, 2023, and included a formal presentation and Q&A with PennDOT representatives.
When:
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
5:00 - 6:30 P.M.
| Where:
St. Mary’s Social Hall
118 Church Street
Brownsville, PA 15417
|
View Dunlap Creek Bridge public meeting presentation
View Brownsville Ave. Bridge public meeting presentation