As Pennsylvania continues upgrading aging bridges across the state, a Wilkes-Barre span along Route 2005 over the RJ Corman Railroad is next in line.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is preparing a redesigned Blackman Street bridge that increases vertical clearance, improves pedestrian access and brings the structure in line with modern safety standards. The agency has recently opened its plans to the public.
PennDOT did not indicate that this project is part of a particular grant program. Instead it is a significant agency undertaking. A plans display is visible from 5 to 7 p.m. at Wilkes-Barre Area High School, with a virtual display and public comment period running through Dec. 5. The event will give residents their first detailed look at the project, which replaces the existing three-span concrete box beam bridge with a single-span composite prestressed concrete adjacent spread box beam bridge. The new type of structure is intended to be easier to construct, require less maintenance and cause fewer hazards for roadway users.
The bridge carries Blackman Street over the RJ Corman Railroad. As part of the redesign, the new structure will be raised to provide at least 19 feet of clearance over the rail line. The engineering change will accommodate modern rail operations and reduce long-term maintenance issues common among low-clearance structures. In addition to the bridge, PennDOT will upgrade shoulders, sidewalks, guide rail and ADA-compliant facilities.
While the bridge is still in its design phase, construction is expected to begin in spring 2028. PennDOT has projected completion in fall 2029.
A 5.4 mile detour will be required for about six months during construction, sending traffic onto South Main Street, Pennsylvania Boulevard, Dana Street, High Street, Hazle Street, South Wilkes-Barre Boulevard, Coal Street and Business Route 309. PennDOT’s project page also provides turn-by-turn directions for each direction of travel.
Photo by Andre from Pexels
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