Published: November 19, 2009 09:19 am      

New Coopersdale Bridge will open to traffic Saturday

JOHNSTOWN — By week’s end, drivers on Route 403 in Johnstown no longer will have to pass over an aging, structurally deficient bridge.

Thursday's rain will delay the opening but traffic should will be rerouted onto the new Coopersdale Bridge by late Saturday afternoon, contractors said.

However, the entire $10.3 million project is not scheduled for completion until August.

“Motorists are advised to use caution, as the area around the bridge is still an active work zone,” officials said in a press release issued Wednesday.

The bridge carries heavy traffic over the Conemaugh River near the main gate of Johnstown Wire Technologies Inc.

While there have been traffic disruptions in the area, no detours were necessary because Charles J. Merlo Inc. of Mineral Point – the project’s primary contractor – built a new bridge slightly upstream from the current span.

After the new structure is opened, the project will continue because crews must dismantle the current bridge, which is more than 80 years old.

Officials have said they expect the new span to represent a big improvement for motorists. It is wider, and there are improved turning areas to aid drivers of large trucks.

Other elements of the project include new pedestrian accommodations, pavement markings, traffic signalization and drainage.

Also, PennDOT commissioned the construction of a new portion of Laurel Avenue so that the street aligns with the new bridge. While Laurel is a city street, the state agency is paying for the job.

A portion of Laurel Avenue remained closed Wednesday as crews continued to work in that area.