Workers took measurements tonight as preparation began for replacing the rusty Herr Street Bridge in Harrisburg.
Harrisburg drivers should brace themselves for some short-term pain, as PennDOT soon will replace a small, but well-traveled bridge over Paxton Creek.
Preliminary work began on Monday night to remove and replace the rust-marred Herr Street Bridge that passes over the creek between N. Cameron and N. 9th streets near the Subway Café. That portion of Herr Street averages more than 12,300 vehicles a day, according to the state Department of Transportation.
For the next three weeks, motorists should expect delays along the road, with single-lane restrictions, as crews drive in micro-pilings to prepare for the actual replacement of the 98-year-old single-span, steel-girder bridge.
Then, on Sept. 7, weather permitting, Herr Street, between Cameron and N. 7th streets, will close entirely for as many as 10 days so that crews can remove the existing bridge, replace it with a precast concrete superstructure and rebuild the roadway.
A detour will route motorists around the work zone using Cameron, Maclay and N. 7th streets, said PennDOT.
Atglen, Pa.-based J.D. Eckman is performing the design and construction work under a $3.2 million contract, which includes building the precast superstructure in a nearby lot along Herr Street.
PennDOT said that it expects the entire project, which also includes utility, pavement and signage work, to be finished by mid-October.
