Published: April 23, 2009 11:58 pm      

Coopersdale Bridge replacement work begins

Crews have begun laying groundwork for replacement of a busy – and structurally deficient – bridge on Route 403 in Johnstown.

A $10.3 million effort to construct a new Coopersdale Bridge will stretch into summer 2010.

But, with officials building a new span slightly upstream, drivers should not expect any major headaches during the project.

The current bridge will remain open “so that they don’t have to disrupt traffic,” said Pam Kane, a spokeswoman for PennDOT District 9.

However, Kane added that some temporary delays should be expected as work progresses.

Mineral Point-based Charles J. Merlo Inc., the project’s primary contractor, has begun constructing a causeway that will provide access so that workers can build piers for the new bridge.

Officials said “minor traffic delays can occur when cement trucks enter and exit the construction site.”

To make way for the new bridge, city crews are working to relocate a “siphon” that carries sewage under the Conemaugh River.

“It’s in progress,” Johnstown Public Works Director Darby Sprincz said. “Everything that’s supposed to be done is on schedule.”

Other elements of the Coopersdale project include new traffic signalization, pedestrian accommodations, drainage upgrades and pavement markings. Officials have said the new bridge will be “much more conducive for larger vehicles.”

Additionally, PennDOT plans to relocate a portion of Laurel Avenue in order to align it with the new bridge.