Published: September 12, 2009 11:38 pm      

Coopersdale bridge project continues

JOHNSTOWN — Work is continuing on a $10.3 million project aimed at replacing an aging, structurally deficient bridge in Johnstown.

Crews are constructing a new Coopersdale Bridge slightly upstream from the current bridge, which will remain in place during the project so officials do not have to close the busy roadway.

The deteriorating Coopersdale Bridge, which carries Route 403 over the Conemaugh River, is more than 80 years old.

PennDOT officials have pledged that the new span will be much more friendly to those driving large vehicles, with wider turning areas and new traffic signalization. Other planned upgrades include new pedestrian accommodations, drainage and pavement markings.

The project’s contractor, Charles J. Merlo Inc. of Mineral Point, also will oversee a realignment of nearby Laurel Avenue so that the street connects easily with the new bridge.

Work is expected to wrap up next summer.

The project has brought some short-term inconveniences for Johns-town Wire Technologies Inc., a Laurel Avenue manufacturer that has its main gate near the existing bridge.

For instance, the company has lost some of its truck-staging area off Broad Street, said Terry Buxbaum, the company’s human resources director.

But in the long term, the new bridge will allow truck drivers to make a right-hand turn from the bridge directly into the plant.

“When the job is done, it will actually improve things at our gate,” Buxbaum said.

He added that Johnstown Wire also may acquire a “sliver of land” that will be vacated after construction crews move Laurel Avenue.